What Makes VA-11 HALL-A: Cyberpunk Bartender Action Unique Among Indie Games?
By Jackie Morgan
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Disclaimer: This blog post is not sponsored, and all thoughts and opinions are my own.
 
A few years ago, I picked up VA-11 HALL-A (pronounced Valhalla) on the Nintendo Switch because it was recommended to me by my boyfriend. I’m pretty picky about the games I get into, so I wasn’t expecting for this game to completely surpass my expectations and become one of my favorites. Upon booting up the game, the beautiful 2-D cyber graphics drew me in, and the ethereal techno music was the perfect backdrop for the visuals. You play as Jill Stingray, a 20-something bartender who has trauma to unpack, as she works her usual shifts at her local bar: VA-11 HALL-A. The game takes place in a dystopian city, and via access to Jill’s smartphone and lengthy conversations with bar patrons, you get a sense of how dark and dangerous this futuristic setting actually is. Though, you don’t really have to deal with that, as the majority of the game takes place inside the cozy bar as you create drinks for the customers, whose personalities range from cute and bubbly to snarky, mysterious, and even aggressive.

The first time I played this game, I did so without using any cheats or guides because I wanted to experience the game in a way that was solely based on my own decisions. Decisions in this game are important, as there are six different endings which are based on whether you mix the correct drinks for your virtual customers. However on my second playthrough, I used a guide to make sure that I made no mistakes, and I also did this so that I could unlock several secret characters and recipes. Additionally, one of the amazing steps of personalization that this game offers is the fact that you can set your own music playlist before beginning a bartending shift, which you can pick and choose from a long catalogue of funky and energetic beats.

The main gameplay involves crafting drinks from six main (fictional) ingredients, which is surprisingly quite enjoyable and makes bartending an addictively fun activity. The other main component of the game is getting to know your customers and coworkers, and by communicating with them and learning their tastes, you unlock pieces of theirs and Jill’s backstory.

Overall, this game struck a chord with me because you can feel the soul of it, and the art style and design are candy for the eyes. While this game is edgy with its real-world grit and treacherous setting, it also showcases some of the deepest connections that people can form with each other in the most unlikely of places. This game has become an instant classic for me, and I often find myself yearning to pick it up again even when I’m occupied with new games. This game just has that special something!
 
 
 
Link to the game on Steam: https://store.steampowered.com/app/447530/VA11_HallA_Cyberpunk_Bartender_Action/

Tutor’s Guide to Tutoring

By Victoria Pippins

No matter how knowledgeable you are, it takes a certain set of skills to teach. I'm sure you've encountered bad teachers before and know how they can make learning more of a challenge than it should be. Understanding how to connect with students is just as important as the knowledge it takes to tutor them. If you're not sure if you have the necessary skills, or want to know more about them, then you're in the right place. These same skills can also be very valuable when it comes to teaching your own kids, and even yourself. To ensure that my advice is as helpful as possible, I spoke with Lexi Shealy, who tutored for nine years through high school and college, working with kids as young as 5 to adults as old as 28. Together, we identified four skills that can’t afford to be overlooked if you want to succeed in this area of life.
Patience
Lexi and I both agreed that patience was the most important skill to develop. Your students may struggle to understand the material and losing your cool with them will do nothing but discourage and upset them. Maintaining your composure is vital to helping them achieve their goals.
Creativity
This one will come in handy when you have to find unique ways to explain something. Textbook definitions don’t work for everyone, so being able to relate the content to unusual topics can be a very useful tool. Linking the subject to some real-life examples, especially ones that relate to the student's life or interests, can greatly increase their ability to remember information and keep them engaged in the process. Using multiple examples will also help reinforce these ideas and can help you quiz them in ways that are more entertaining.
Communication
Being able to share ideas with others in a way that is effective and clear is necessary in everything we do. If you’re struggling to get your ideas across or you just can’t seem to find the words to explain your thoughts, you might need to work on your communication skills. To do this, begin by taking note of the way you listen. Is your attention fully on your student? Are you observing their body language and taking breaks when they seem frustrated? As far as speaking goes, do you explain terminology they might not know and verbally check in with them often to make sure they’re understanding? If you have trouble explaining concepts, you might benefit from taking the time to sit down and write out some definitions in your own words or plan some more thorough analyses before you tutor.  
Honesty
Students are far more likely to trust someone who's honest. This is crucial, because if they feel that they can't just "take your word for it," they likely won’t be receptive to the lessons. For this reason, it's important to be honest when you don't know or aren’t sure about something. Having the foresight to tell them “I’m not sure, let me check,” can establish a connection with them that says two things: “Your education is very important to me,” and “You can trust that what I’m saying is factual.”
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Edited by Jenna Fults
 

​Five Study Tips To Crush Finals
By: Nicole Suprak
 
As the end of the semester approaches and classes come to a close, we can find ourselves stressing over finals and longing for summer. As someone who is finishing up their last semester of college and my final week of school forever, I am here to share my top ten studying tips. Whether you are finishing the semester virtually or in person, here are ten ways you can up your study game and finish the semester strong!

1. Be Kind To Yourself

It’s been a difficult year to be a student, and everyone can feel it. It is important to give yourself a moment to take a step back from studying and take a mental health break. Go for a coffee-run (or whatever drink meets your fancy). Go for a walk and relax in the sun for a moment. Fill your body up with whatever makes you happy. I am a big believer that fries are a great study snack. Also, connect with friends and those who are also stressed about school. You can’t take care of anything until you are in a good mental state.

1. Find a Study Group

Studying in a group can help you make sure that you understand the material. This tip might be a little more difficult with a socially distanced world, but it is not impossible! Hold a zoom call or go to a socially distanced location and wear your masks! Classmates can hold you accountable and can keep you focused.

1. Create a Good Environment

Having a good environment is key to keeping you focused and relaxed. Make sure your work space is tidy. Bring things that keep you relaxed. Some of my desk-essential items include plants, water, classical music, and a nice warm cup of tea.

1. Schedule Your Time

Plan out your study-time to keep you on track. Blocking out a set time for studying will relieve you stress or guilt when you spend time relaxing.

1. Know Yourself

Finally, it is important to know yourself and your study habits when figuring out the best method for studying. Figure out if you are a visual, auditory, or verbal learner. You won’t be able to study efficiently if you don’t know what works best for you.
           
After the finals are over, it is important to reward yourself. Go do your favorite things. Watch that new Netflix series. Sleep for a week straight. Good luck on finals!
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Edited by Emelyn Ehrlich 

Foods I’d Like to Try
By Elizabeth Dubos
 
As part of a 2021 New Year’s resolution, I wanted to step outside of my comfort zone more. I wanted to try new things, so life didn’t seem like it was all work and no play. I’m an introvert who doesn’t like change. I enjoy the safety of predictability. However, I’ve learned that too much safety can take the fun away from life. While it’s a bit nerve-racking to step outside of my comfort zone, as I did more research, I found that there are ways to accomplish my goal without making myself too uncomfortable. As a young adult, I want to make memories. When I get older, I want to look back at this time and say, “Wow, those were some fun times.”
 
As you’ve probably guessed, I have a limited and bland palette. I like what I like and don’t change it. Whenever I get takeout, I always get the same thing because it’s safe and I know I’ll like it. But whenever I watch cooking or baking competition shows on Netflix, my mouth starts watering because the food looks incredible and according to the judges tastes delicious too. Therefore, I finally set out to research some foods I’d like to try. I thought it would be fun to share my research, because maybe you’d like to try some delicious food as well.
 
1. Avocados. According to Healthline.com avocados are loaded with healthy fats, fiber, and potassium. They look delicious on sandwiches and toast. I think it’ll be a good addition to my diet because I can make it look delicious. Also, due to its nutrients, it’ll reduce bloating and weight, so my clothes will fit better.
 
2. Bell peppers. I’ve seen a lot of restaurants use bell peppers in their dishes, so I think it would be fun to try them. Plus, I’ve seen a lot of interesting designs on Pinterest of how people utilize bell peppers. During Halloween, I’ve seen a recipe that turns bell peppers into jack-o-lanterns.
 
3. Datil peppers. I love Chipotle BBQ seasoning from Buffalo Wild Wings, so I’m not too adverse with spicy foods. However, I think it would be fun to expand my palette to different types of spice. Plus, I think it would be a lot of fun to grow my own datil peppers too.
 
4. Tomatoes. I love when tomatoes are cooked, but I’m not a huge fan of them when they’re raw. I feel like I’m missing out on something, since I’ve seen them always added to sandwiches.
 
5. Oatmeal. I’ve seen tons of recipes on Pinterest that look delicious! I’ve tried to recreate them, but they ended up looking unappetizing. Maybe, I could do curbside at a local café and buy some prepared oatmeal, so I don’t judge its aesthetics.
 
6. Ham. After doing a bit of research, there’s different flavors of ham. So, I think it’s worth trying. I think it would be healthy to add another meat to my palette.
 
Six things may sound puny, but it’s a big deal for me because I’m stepping outside of my comfort zone. Maybe I’ll write another blog post about these food adventures. Are there any foods or recipes you’d like to try? Leave a comment below!
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Edited by Emelyn Ehrlich  

ABOUT THE BOOK: Having survived her freshman year at Resslar University, Brooklyn Perce returns to college, determined to make her sophomore year partially normal. Now living with Drew and Kennedy and having Nate for a neighbor, she feels somewhat secure, surrounded by her friends and confidants. But when a masked kidnapper tells Brooklyn she needs to pay for her past actions, the young reporter will face her biggest challenge yet.

Amazon Link:
https://www.amazon.com/Vengeance-Resslar-University-Mysteries-Book/dp/1947381474/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=vengeance+allegra+craver&qid=1628436987&sr=8-1

From the Publisher: The new releases keep coming! We have electronic review copies of this and book 1 if you missed it. Simply contact Kristi using the contact form on this website to request your copy today!

ABOUT THE BOOK: Through the wonders of genetic editing, Max Kayne was born as powerful as a god. With super human strength, a genius level intellect, the power to manipulate and store energy and the ability to physically adapt to nearly any situation, there has never been a being as powerful as Max. In the future Max lives in, the genetic editing of human beings has been outlawed and the punishments for breaking the laws surrounding it are severe and extreme. Those who are born edited live a life full of unjust persecution and discrimination. Because of this, Max is weary of revealing his power to the world, but still feels a responsibility to use it. There is a constant global tension and some have called it the second Cold War. Max wants to use his power to enact change and bring about a peace the world has never known, but it is a dangerous goal. Max carefully navigates the waters of this fragile future knowing he could start World War III by simply revealing himself to the world, but also knowing he could stop it. From a young age to the time he is an adult Max has struggled with the idea of anonymity while knowing he could save lives. Will Max live a quiet life of secrecy or will he show the world who he truly is? Would the world accept him or seek to destroy him? With infinite power, what would you do?

Amazon Link:
https://www.amazon.com/Infinite-Power-Chandler-McNiel/dp/B09917QYBR/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=With+infinite+power+chandler&qid=1628436376&sr=8-1

REVIEWERS, BLOGGERS: Contact Kristi using the contact form on this website to request your free electronic review copy today! We also have an author interview available upon request.

ABOUT THE BOOK: Taken from the pages of the author's personal journals, MARCH OF MADNESS: A Journey Into Depression reflects the dark and often tormented days he experienced while battling depression. The book transcribes the dark poetry and journal entries from those pages, with his own reflection of dealing with those emotions.
Throughout the book the many poems and intimate journal entries reveal the darkness, emptiness, confusion and sadness which he battled for so long. This is a deeply personal account of one man's battle with an all too familiar disease.

Amazon Link:
https://www.amazon.com/March-Madness-Journey-Into-Depression/dp/B098L1MXJX/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=march+of+madness+jimmie+pennington&qid=1628435819&sr=8-1
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FROM THE PUBLISHER:   As always, if you would like to review this book, just simply contact Kristi using the contact form on our website and request your electronic review copy, and we also have an author interview available upon request for you to put on your blog. Thank you for all you do to help get the word out about our new releases!

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Artistic Prompts
By Elizabeth Dubos
 
Creativity can be a tricky thing. On one hand it’s thrilling when you have a bunch of ideas that you’re pouring out onto paper, so you don’t forget them. Whether it’s for a professional position or a hobby, creativity can bring a lot of joy. For example, it’s exciting to see your idea come alive. However, it’s frustrating when you’re struggling to be creative. At some point in our lives, we’ve all experienced a few creative blocks. The Internet offers wonderful suggestions on how to overcome a creative block but doesn’t offer too much advice after that. What happens if you’ve taken the steps to overcome a creative block and still haven’t produced an idea? Well, here’s a simple solution; artistic prompts. Artistic prompts can be incredibly helpful because it helps point you in a creative direction, so you don’t feel so lost on what to create. If you’ve taken art classes in school, then you probably remember the teacher would tell you what to create, but it’s up to each person to interpret the final product. Plus, prompts encourage artists to experiment with different art forms and push ourselves outside our comfort zone. No matter if you’re an illustrator, painter, photographer, graphic designer etc. you’ll can find an artistic prompt that will pique your interest. Here are some of my favorite artistic prompts that have inspired me to create some artwork.
 
Art prompt generator. Art Prompts is one of my favorite generators because you can choose various categories like characters, creatures, objects, situations, challenges, or the environment. For example, let’s say you click on the environment; my generated prompt was, “A mysterious cellar illuminated by torchlight. It is filled with barrels of wine and stored things.”
 
A memory from your childhood. Try to remember why you got started in this field or hobby. Maybe replicate one of your first projects you’ve created. Then, if you have the original you can put them side by side and see how much you’ve grown.
 
Biomes. Biomes are a collection of plants and animals that have distinct biological communities. This includes the ice cap, tundra, taiga, temperate forest, tropical rainforest, grassland, savanna, desert, and freshwater (lakes, rivers and wetlands.) This will be an excellent opportunity to research a different environment and create a project that was inspired by it.
 
Your favorite song. Try to experiment with different elements of your favorite song. Maybe create a project inspired by the lyrics, instruments, tempo, or singer.
 
Behance art challenges. Behance offers Photoshop and Illustrator daily creative challenges to inspire artists. This is an excellent opportunity to build your skills and join a community with connect with more artists. An example in the Adobe Photoshop Challenge would be, “Surreal Landscape. Combine photographs with Live Shapes to reveal a fantasy landscape.” Additionally, there’s daily live shows where you can ask questions. 
Photoshop Daily Challenge
Illustrator Daily Challenge
 
Food. Create a project that was inspired by your least favorite food. It’s easy to focus on your favorite food but what about your least favorite? Think of the colors, textures, smells etc. to inspire you to create a project that emphasizes those elements.
 
A self-portrait. When was the last time you created a project that was inspired by yourself? Often artists rely on stock images or live models for inspiration. Try to use yourself as inspiration for your project. Maybe create a self-portrait of what you think you’ll look like in the future.
 
Don’t feel discouraged if you’re feeling creatively blocked. It’s completely normal and won’t last forever. Try not to force yourself to create something. Otherwise, you’ll risk yourself burning out, which isn’t good for your physical or mental health. Were you inspired to create an artistic project?
 
Edited by Emelyn Ehrlich
 

​Fountain vs. Ballpoint
By Andy Smiley
 
Since high school, I have written all my notes with a pen.
 
Originally, it was a way to prepare for AP exams, which are—or were, before COVID when they were taken in-person—required to be written in blue or black ink, an unfamiliar and unwelcome surprise for most high schoolers used to writing with the easily-erasable graphite. With no fewer than nine AP classes under my belt in high school, I think that the difficulty of learning to write in pen was worth it, especially now that it’s more commonplace in college. But, like the struggle of choosing the proper type of pencil which wouldn’t break, sharpen incorrectly, or erase weirdly, the struggle of choosing a pen can define the note-taking experience.
 
Most cheaper pens are ballpoint. They require much less metal, for one thing, with a plastic nib except for a small ball. They’re also easier to write with at first, and disposable: they write from any angle, don’t need ink refills, and are tossed in the trash when they’re spent. There’s something about the way that a smooth ballpoint pen glides across the page, as well, that encourages you to write and keep writing.
 
I was, for a long time, a ballpoint purist. My brother had gotten a fountain pen for himself, but I dismissed it. It was at worst pretentious, at best unnecessary. That all changed when I found a plastic fountain pen, abandoned, on the sidewalk, and absorbed it into my own collection, figuring you could never have too many.
 
Writing with the fountain pen for the first time was elegant and wonderful. The ink cartridge had recently been replaced, and the nib, superfine, was perfect for my scratchy writing style. From then on, I’ve only used fountain pens, despite my lack of knowledge about them (which led to a few unfortunate surprises the first time I ran out of ink, tried to use one on a plane, or any other scenario when it became impossible to write with).
 
The fountain pen, though nothing can quite match the silky feeling of a nice ballpoint, is overall a better writing experience. The pen itself is heavier and sits better in your hand. The nib, over time, will be ground away ever so slightly to accommodate the way that you, personally, put pressure on it. My current fountain pen has a piston cartridge inside, so when I run out of ink, I don’t put more plastic into landfills; instead, I take it apart, dip the tip in an inkwell, and suck up another few weeks of supply.
 
It is true that fountain pens use up more ink. A disposable ballpoint pen worth of ink will probably last you anywhere from weeks to months longer than a single cartridge of ink in a fountain pen. But a fountain pen itself, since it’s refillable, can last you the rest of your life if well-taken care of, and your everyday Bic just isn’t going to give you that kind of loyalty.
 
Overall, a fountain pen will give you more bang for your buck, it will conform to your writing style, and it will last as long as you have ink to put back in it. A ballpoint pen might feel nice, but you’ll likely break it or throw it away within the year. Invest in a good fountain pen; it’s worth it.
 
Edited by Emelyn Ehrlich

Getting Bangs
Liz Eike

You’re getting a little bored with your hair. It’s not that it looks bad; it’s just that you’ve been sporting the same style for what feels like ages now and you’re ready for something new. Should you cut it short? Get highlights, an ombre, or maybe even dye all of it electric blue? You’ve been messing with the idea of changing your hair for a while now when she appears.

She can be anywhere. Maybe she shows up on your social media feed, or maybe she is some random person you see at the grocery store. If she is a celebrity, she usually takes the form of either Taylor Swift or Zooey Deschanel. No matter who she is, there is one thing about her that immediately catches your eye: her perfect bangs. Suddenly, you know exactly what you want to do to your hair.

Like any new haircut, getting bangs can be a risky decision. If this is the first time you’ve considered getting them since you last shuddered over the mushroom-bowl-cut-abomination in your second grade class photo, read on. You will want to know this information before you take the leap.

If this isn’t the first time you’ve tangoed with the fringe, you’ll know that bangs can be like a bad relationship. You have them for a while, maybe a year or two at most, before you inevitably get tired of them for one reason or another. You commit to growing your bangs out. It takes forever for your hair to stop looking awkward. Then, just when you’re back to the all-one-length life, you walk into your living room to find your sister or roommate watching New Girl, and you’re wistfully recalling the good old days. The next thing you know, you’re back in your stylist’s chair – or worse, staring into your bathroom mirror as you lift a pair of scissors to your forehead.

There are a lot of inconvenient things that come with having bangs, but it can all be worth it if you’re particularly easygoing or patient. If you’ve made it this far and you’re still considering taking the plunge, here are the biggest cons that you should know about.

The worst thing about bangs is how high-maintenance they are. If you don’t wash your hair daily, you will definitely have to start washing your bangs separately once or twice between regular washes to avoid the greasy, stringy look. Furthermore, styling bangs often calls for using heat from a straightener or a blow dryer, which can eventually fry them. On top of that, a little wind can undo your hard work in moments. If you’re bent on keeping your bangs for a long time, they will need to be trimmed rather frequently. Finally, having your hair in contact with your forehead almost 24/7 will definitely cause you to break out up there.

Some of these issues can be managed, though, and bangs can even provide a few small vain benefits. For instance, your bangs will cover up any forehead acne it causes even as it works diligently to give you more. Of course, there is the main reason for which you are even thinking about this in the first place: bangs are cute! There are so many different shapes and styles of bangs that you are almost certain to find one that suits you and the shape of your face. They make any hairstyle more interesting, from ponytails and braids to headbands and beanies. You can also use a heat protectant spray to help ward off the bad effects of heat on your hair, and frequent trimming means you won’t have to live with any potential damage for long.

In the end, once you’ve caught the fringe fever, there is little to be done other than to try them and see how you like them. If you do decide to go for it, though, I implore you not to cut them yourself.
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Edited by Emelyn Ehrlich