My first big take away from starting Destiny 2 was that the story makes a fully-fledged appearance in this game. In the first game, it was all but impossible to know why you were bouncing around the solar system or why the wizard came from the moon. The story works in Destiny 2 thanks to some gorgeous cut scenes during key parts of the campaign, and a sensible revamp of how the campaign is structured from the Guide.
There's a church! I love the European Dead Zone.
No longer do you look at a planets map and see a variety of new and old missions cluttering up the view, each new mission is clearly sign-posted and introduced well, whether through a cut scene or chatter from your Ghost. Everything makes sense, and I'm sure newbies to Destiny will understand the plot, even if some of the references to The Traveler and Warmachines might go over their head slightly.
I was left slightly disappointed though that the campaign doesn't spend that much time on the planets of Titan, Nessus and Io. They are generally brief trips in and out for a couple of missions as you work to re-establish a base of operations at The Farm, the social space that replaces The Tower from the first game. Most of the campaign action takes places on Earth in the all new European Dead Zone, an area that does a great job of differentiating itself from the Earth area of the first game.
It isn't just the campaign where Bungie have taken the best bits from The Taken King and revamped them. While on the Guide view, you can tap a button to view your Milestones. These might just be "Reach Level 15 and Complete Mission x", while others are more far reaching and important to progressing towards the end game of Destiny 2. Patrols won't open until you've completed a mission for Cayde-6 which tells the tell of the importance of planetary Patrols in the lore of the game. Ikora Rey offers you a mission to complete Challenges while playing around in the Earth Defence Zone. Complete this, and a set of three Challenges will appear during everything from random planetary adventures to Strikes and the Crucible.
Spooky dark forest…wonder what mysteries are hidden within.
Milestones are a great way of keeping you busy with things to do in between story missions as you seek to level up, and once you have finished the story and hit Level 20, the end game activities open. Work your way towards hitting different Power levels through finding new, more powerful loot to unlock Nightfall Strikes, Trials of the Nine and the Raid. It is here that you will be able to start World Quests, a series of small missions that kick off on each planet, then weapons challenges to complete to unlock a tasty Exotic weapon.
Then there are Adventures which appear early on during the campaign on each planet. These are smaller side quests that help fill in the broader strokes of the story, and most important, fill in background details on the Scouts that act as your points of contact on each planet. They introduce you to each planet, and act as vendors for some low-level gear. However, for completing activities, including Adventures and Public Events, you are rewarded with tokens that you can cash in with each Scout, once you have traded in enough you receive an Engram containing plenty of goodies.
I've spent most of my spare time on Earth with Devrim Kay who offers good advice and insight into the wider conflict of the game. Failsafe, your contact on Nessus is an entirely different beast. A half-ruined AI from the Exodus Black, a shi[ which crashed during the Golden Age, she can be ever so grating during most story interactions. While Cayde-6 maintains his entertaining banter, Failsafe feels like Bungie have been trying too hard. That is until you start the World Quest, and you appreciate why Failsafe has gone mad. She's still annoying, but you appreciate why she has been written as she has.
Yes, there are vehicle sections in the campaign.
In the first game, I was rewarded with a small handful of Exotics during my entire time with the game. In Destiny 2, I've received plenty of Exotics, some of which perfectly match my playstyle. Activities of all sorts reward you with tokens which you take to the relevant vendor, be it Lord Shaxx for Crucible Tokens or Zavala with your rewards from Strikes. It all means that you are regularly unlocking new gear, which, at the end of the day, is what everyone is really playing for.
I haven't done the Raid yet, but I never completed the Raids in the first game. I feel like I'm not good enough to seek out groups to play with, but soon Guided Games will be launching. These will allow nervous wrecks like me to match quickly with those Fireteams willing to guide players through the Nightfall Strike and Raid. Clans are a new feature (why not join us) where members work towards shared rewards. Complete activities as a Fireteam to earn Clan XP, and again, you can earn rewards from another new character, Suraya Hawthorne who along with Devrim Kay adds plenty to the game.
A few minor gripes remain though. Crucible matches are now 4v4, which by itself, is perfectly fine and I have no problem with it. In some ways, it makes for better action with less numbers in each battle. It's just a bit odd that you there is a 4 player game mode here, while all other activities are limited to Fireteams of 3 players, or 6 for the Raid. I appreciate that 3v3 matches would be small, but surely Bungie could have designed Strikes and normal Fireteam activities to work with 4 players? It's a minor thing, but one that seems more prevalent with the introduction of Clans.
My other slight twinge of disappointment comes with the lack of something like the Dreadnaught from The Taken King. Unless I'm missing something, there isn't a place in the game yet with so much mystery and lore surrounding it. The Dreadnaught had many loot crates which required special tasks that were exclusive to the Dreadnaught to be completed. Yes, Destiny 2 has some great things to do in the end game and Public Events work so much better than ever before, while Lost Sectors provide a nice challenge from off the beaten path…but I miss that ship.
Minor gripes aside….this is one hell of a game. Bungie have learnt from the past, and have crafted a masterpiece. It's a game that any shooter fan should check out, even if you do prefer playing solo, you will get so much out of it, and I am so pleased for PC gamers that they will be able to dive in and enjoy.
Review based on retail purchased copy. Please read this post for more on our review policy.


text:
How To Make Your Piano Sound Like The Song (Without The Band)
Featured Article Sidebar, Keyboards February 6, 2015May 16, 2019 Contributing Writer
by Steve Case
Remember the last time you were asked to play a song but it wasn't working? Just didn't sound like the song? Yep, so do I. What was missing? How can you make your piano tune sound like it does with a full band.
Looking at the basic components of a song, there are five things you'll need to get right: range, rhythm, dynamics, the hook, and transitions.
Your tools are limited: 88 keys, 10 fingers and maybe one voice. It may take a little work, but here's how to make your piano sound like the song.
LEARN HOW TO IMPROVISE ON THE BLUES SCALE
How a Band Works
In a band, the bass and kick drum handle the bass range, setting tonal and rhythmic foundations. Keyboards and rhythm guitar handle the midrange, and you could include the snare drum and toms. Here you will find the rhythmic framework (eighths, sixteenths, or a shuffle). Listen for the hi-hat. Lead guitar, vocals, and cymbals make up the higher range. Most of the melodic work is done here.
LEARN THE HISTORY OF THE PIANO
Now, think about your piano as having three overlapping ranges: bass (C3 and lower), upper (C5 and higher), and midrange (C3 to C5, more or less). Middle C is C4. You will use these ranges to imitate the instruments in the band.
Here's How to Do It Yourself
Listen to the recording for:
The rhythmic framework. Tap your foot on each beat, determining if there are two, three, or four parts to each beat (the hi-hat will probably tell you.) Determine which parts are emphasized in each measure and if there is any snycopation. You'll need to reflect the same framework and emphasis in your rhythm patterns. This is the groove, or feel.
The chord pattern. Write it out alphabetically (you don't need to write it in proper music notation. In fact, that would unnecessarily box you in.) Be sure to note major or minor.
The bass line. Determine the notes and rhythm your left hand will play.
Find your groove.
Start by playing the bass line. Your left hand rhythm will usually be different than your right hand, and most often consists of roots (the letter name of the chord) and 5ths. Experiment with other scale tones, but generally play the root on beat 1. Practice the bass line separately until it feels easy.
Using the chord pattern, play at least one note on each part of the beat. Wherever you need emphasis, play full chords or play louder, then softer everywhere else. Keep the chords close to each other on the keys.
Check the rhythm. Playing between beats, but not on the following beat, is syncopation or a push-beat. It feels like we've pushed the beat ahead at that moment, and it's really common. Listen for chords that feel like they are happening early, then make sure you play them early in the song. Add even more variety and surprise, by occasionally hitting the wood with your hand for extra percussion.
Use a full range of dynamics.
In the studio, there is the freedom to use as many or as few instruments as the artist wants, anywhere in the song. But when it's just you and your piano, dynamics (volume levels measured on a scale from 1 to 10) and thicker/thinner chords (playing block or broken chords, that is, all at once, or in various combinations) can produce the same effect. Changing from soft to loud can signal the beginning of a chorus or an instrumental, while getting softer can take you back to the 2nd verse, or maybe ending the song.
Add the hook.
Most songs have some sort of musical identifier, a phrase or short chord pattern uniquely its own. Like the melodic intro to "Pretty Woman" or "Day Tripper," or the chopped chords that begin "Takin' Care of Business." As soon as the song starts, you get excited about the rest of the song because you know what you're going to hear.
When you play it, the hook replaces the rest of the chord pattern. The bass line may or may not continue.
Pay attention to transitions.
In the band, transitions are signaled by fills, melodic or chord patterns that take the energy level in the direction of the next song section. Going into a chorus, for example, fills might be busy, ascending phrases ramping up the energy. If you're leaving the bridge to go to a softer verse, the fill would be emptier, a descending pattern with longer notes. Or insert a glissando in either direction (drag your thumb quickly across the white keys) to add excitement.
Ultimately, it's all about what the listener thinks he hears. Keep the groove (rhythmic chords and bass line) steady and solid, frequently change dynamics, use fills in transitions, and play the hook often. And the next time someone asks you to play a song, you can say, "Sure. It goes like this!"
do it yourself, how to, how to make your piano sound like the song, keyboard, learning to play, piano, play piano
Learning Guitar Is Easier with Guidance
Woman Learns to Speak Again with Music Therapy

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


text:
Russian Citizen Detained in Berlin on Suspicion of Plotting Terror Attack
© AFP 2019 / JOHN MACDOUGALL
https://sputniknews.com/europe/201808221067382646-berlin-detention-russian-attack/
The news comes just a month after the German authorities requested the arrest of a woman, allegedly linked to Daesh*, who planned to carry out an attack in Berlin using biological weapons.
"The Prosecutor General's Office today detained a 31-year-old Russian citizen, named Magomed-Ali S., on the basis of an arrest warrant dated August 9, 2018. The operation was conducted by a special unit of the federal criminal police and the Berlin criminal police. In addition, the suspect's apartment was searched," the German officials stated.
The release said the detainee "is suspected of preparing a serious crime against the state and preparing a crime with the use of explosives." According to the Prosecutor General's Office, he was suspected of working with Clement B., who was detained in France in 2017.
READ MORE: 'Nothing Left But to Suffer': Ex-Anti-Terror Head Warns of Danger Facing France
"The suspect, who is a radical Islamist, together with a man in France, suspect Clement B., wanted to produce explosives. They were to be put into action in Germany at an unknown time in an unknown place to kill and injure as many people as possible," investigators say.
The attack was foiled in 2016 due to investigative measures by law enforcement agencies.
Later in the day, the Russian Embassy in Germany said that it was looking into the arrest of a Russian citizen in Berlin.
"The Russian Embassy is checking the information on detention of a 31-year-old man in Berlin on suspicions of plotting a terror attack. In particular, we are clarifying in cooperation with the German authorities if the detainee has Russian citizenship," the embassy's press service said.
The authorities of Russia's Chechen Republic, where the suspect reportedly came from, pledged to monitor the situation with the man detained in Berlin.
"Millions of people are named Magomed-Ali, where does the confidence that the man is a Chechen comes from? Good if there is proof… This person, if it is proved that he has been planning a mass murder of innocent people, must be brought to justice," Chechen Minister of National Policy, External Relations, Press and Information Dzhambulat Umarov told Sputnik.
READ MORE: Palestinian Migrant Who Attacked Jews in Berlin Over Kippas Faces Court (VIDEO)
According to Frauke Koehler, the spokeswoman for the German prosecutors, the suspect regularly visited a now-defunct mosque in Berlin, as well as Clement B. and Anis Amri, who carried out truck ramming attack in Berlin in 2016, killing 12 people and injuring 56.
"It is possible that Magomed-Ali and Anis Amri met each other there," Koehler, whose speech was aired by the N-TV broadcaster, stated.
In 2017 the French police found guns, explosives and the flag of the Daesh* terror group in the apartment of suspect Clement B., arrested just a few days before the presidential elections in the country.
*Daesh (also known as IS, ISIL, ISIS, Islamic State), is a terrorist group banned in Russia
What White Van? Mysterious Vehicle Follows Failed Terror Plot Car to Westminster
Police Arrest Londoner on Suspicion of Plotting Terrorist Attacks
Italian Police Stop Van From France Carrying Explosives
terror plot, explosives, arrest, Germany, France


What's the obsession about rewarding people for perfect attendance/never taking any sick days? I recently received email at work reminding all employees that they will be awarded an extra personal day if they don't use ANY of their sick time for an entire calendar year. I understand in a way that it's nice to recognize people who make the effort to go to work or school every day. However, it seems like a very misguided concept. Sick days exist for a reason. There are several reasons this tradition should be abolished.
1 – Most people get sick at least once or twice a year, and going to work or school when ill just exposes everyone else to whatever virus or bacteria is causing the problem!
2 – People are not as happy or productive when they feel sick. This could cause negative feelings for everyone around them. Plus, most people are NOT happy when someone comes in, spreading germs everywhere.
3 – It's not always safe for someone to drive to work if they're sick and taking certain medications to deal with the symptoms. For example, quite a few cold medications cause drowsiness.
4 – It's unfair to basically penalize people with chronic medical conditions. Some people simply don't have the good fortune to be free of conditions that require medical treatments.
5 – Some people miss work or school for unavoidable reasons, such as an injury or serious illness, even if they usually enjoy good health.
6 – Some people miss work or school due to a death in the family. Although some work places don't "count that against" their employees, I don't remember ever hearing it as an exception to the "perfect attendance" rule for schools.
7 – I know I have to use sick time for appointments to see the doctor, dentist, or optometrist. Some of my medical providers don't have evening or weekend hours, so I have to visit them during work hours. I'm sure that's true for others. Also, it's easier to get appointments during the regular work day because there are more appointments available then. Only scheduling during evenings or weekends (when that's an option) usually requires waiting several weeks to be seen (I remember this happening to me when I didn't have sick time when I started a new job). People should not be discouraged to delay or skip medical care in order to get a special reward!
What do you think? Is there any real justification for pushing people to have perfect attendance? Is it really worth it considering all of the drawbacks, such as the ones above?


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Yokosuka NCO named shore-based SURFPAC Sailor of the Year
Greg Tyler
It's nice to earn a Sailor of the Year award, but winning it twice is even nicer.
Petty Officer 1st Class Christopher J. Cowlin, an aviation boatswain's mate attached to Explosive Ordnance Disposal Detachment Japan at Yokosuka Naval Base, recently was named one of three Sailors of the Year for Naval Surface Forces, Pacific. As a reservist, he received the same honor in 2000 from Naval Surface Forces, Atlantic Fleet.
Cowlin was tapped as the winner this year among Pacific shore-based commands. Each year a sea, shore and reserve sailor is selected.
"After I was called to active duty after Sept. 11, I decided I wanted to stay in the Navy on active duty, so here I am now," he added. "I wanted to contribute to the war on terrorism. It was a great opportunity, and there was a shortage in my field."
Vice Adm. Timothy LaFleur, the Pacific surface force's commander, also presented the Sailor of the Year award for sea-based sailors to Chief Petty Officer (Select) Toby Ruiz, a signalman formerly of USS Higgins and now USS Benfold. The reserve Sailor of the Year is Chief Petty Officer (Select) John T. Smith Jr., of Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit 17 in Oak Harbor, Wash.
"When I talk with commanders from other foreign navies, they always ask me, 'How does the United States hold the distinction of having the best navy in the world?'" remarked LaFleur at the announcement.
"I always say that it's not just the ships and the planes," he added in a Navy news report. "It's sailors like all of you in this room — the best of the best."
Before being activated, Cowlin, 42, taught Japanese and English as a Second Language at Daytona Beach Community College in Florida. In addition to graduating from Naval School Explosive Ordnance Disposal at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., the Yokosuka resident earned a masters of science degree from the State University of New York, and a specialist in education degree from Barry University, Miami.
"I have too many degrees. I spent an awful amount of time in college," he said.
Cowlin was nominated for the award by his command but gives his colleagues much of the credit.
"I was just lucky to be working for a red-hot team," he said.
Three potential winners in each category flew to San Diego to meet with LaFleur and compete during an interview process before the winners were selected.
"It's a great honor for my team," Cowlin said. "In EOD, we don't do anything by ourselves. So, when anything like this happens, it is recognition for my team."
Being named Sailor of the Year also has several benefits for the individual.
"I won all kinds of stuff," Cowlin said. "I mean, I was shocked at the stuff coming in. It's still coming in, and it's incredible. The coolest thing is this Rio MP3 player that holds 400 albums."
In the competition for overall Navy Sailor of the Year, he was eliminated at the Pacific Fleet level.
His EOD unit's operational experience might have helped Cowlin win the theater honor. Without divulging particulars, he said the unit has participated in war on terrorism operations.
And some of those operational situations can be dangerous and physically demanding. But the middle-aged sailor — just married in January 2002 — says he's holding up nicely, thank you.
"We get lots of chances to train. I think I can swim all right ... and I do run a little a slower. But still, I'm holding up OK. If you like what you do, you'd be surprised how long you can hang.
"I am one of the older guys, and when I retire in about 15 years, I'll be the grandpappy," he joked.


If the words quote-to-cash, Steelbrick or Salesforce CPQ mean something to you, we've got some breaking news that deserves your attention. The powerful and popular Steelbrick quote-to-cash platform is now officially known as Salesforce CPQ and has transformed into a seamless part of the Salesforce platform. One of Endiem's resident Salesforce CPQ-certified gurus, Ms. Julie Zelinka, explains what this transition really means for new users and veterans alike.
Salesforce CPQ already has the robust functionality of Steelbrick, but offers the community and platform of Salesforce—which is not a benefit to take lightly. If you're familiar with the Salesforce community, you already know the power that comes with it. It's a strength that is unique to the Salesforce platform—a massive (and growing!) group of power users that rally together to optimize Salesforce experiences and solutions for everyone.
One thing that Steelbrick users will especially appreciate is that Salesforce CPQ will continue to carry the torch of outstanding how-to tutorial-style documentation through Trailhead. It's one way that Steelbrick and Salesforce CPQ really have created synergy to make things even better.
Even if tutorials and community information sifting aren't your thing, certified implementation experts, like Julie, can help you get up and running without the second guessing and missteps.
Salesforce CPQ: Could it be a game-changer for you?
There's no doubt that Salesforce CPQ brings together a powerful mix of functionality, simplicity and effectiveness. Could a Salesforce CPQ makeover create positive change in your business? We should talk. Contact us today to learn more from our team of Salesforce experts.


Nicole Kauk, M.A., LMHP, LPC, has spent the last 2 ½ years at a general mental health clinic, and has had experience with a wide range of folks, including children, teens, adults, and the geriatric populations. She's done individual work as well as with couples and families. She has been trained to be ready for many different client issues including ADHD, anxiety, depression, trauma, domestic violence, grief, self-harm, behavior issues, relationship issues, aging, and life stage issues. She has worked in the office setting, and has experience with in-home and the nursing home setting. She uses an empathetic cognitive behavioral approach, with elements of motivational interviewing, reality therapy, and solution focused therapy as needed by each individual person.


Discover the luxury, comfort and beauty of an exceptional five-star and four-diamond hotel in the heart of Tremblant's resort village. Enjoy slopeside access to the hiking trails, fine Japanese cuisine from Restaurant U, delightful cocktails from the Java Lounge, spa services, an outdoor saltwater pool, exercise room, and concierge service. Every suite features a fireplace, a kitchenette and deluxe 'Heavenly Beds'®, all Westin exclusives.


text:
//-----------------------------------------------------------------------
// <copyright file="SequenceNumberAction.cs" company="Microsoft">
//    Copyright 2013 Microsoft Corporation
//
//    Licensed under the Apache License, Version 2.0 (the "License");
//    you may not use this file except in compliance with the License.
//    You may obtain a copy of the License at
//      http://www.apache.org/licenses/LICENSE-2.0
//
//    Unless required by applicable law or agreed to in writing, software
//    distributed under the License is distributed on an "AS IS" BASIS,
//    WITHOUT WARRANTIES OR CONDITIONS OF ANY KIND, either express or implied.
//    See the License for the specific language governing permissions and
//    limitations under the License.
// </copyright>
//-----------------------------------------------------------------------

namespace Microsoft.WindowsAzure.Storage.Blob
{
    /// <summary>
    /// Describes actions that can be performed on a page blob sequence number.
    /// </summary>
    public enum SequenceNumberAction
    {
        /// <summary>
        /// Sets the sequence number to be the higher of the value included with the request and the value currently stored for the blob.
        /// </summary>
        Max,

        /// <summary>
        /// Sets the sequence number to the value included with the request.
        /// </summary>
        Update,

        /// <summary>
        /// Increments the value of the sequence number by 1.
        /// </summary>
        Increment,
    }
}

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaGithub