Our house has been listed. It sold in less than 48 hours.
We are moving to New Kensington in order to have a much shorter commute time and to live closer to our congregation.
We are looking at this house. Google View
Author: Dave
Learning to play the piano
Wendy and I have decided to learn how to play the piano. We got a good deal on the Casio PX-150. Our lessons will be starting soon.
There are lots of web sites that will help you with getting started learning to play the piano. http://www.pianolessons.com/piano-lessons/learn-to-play-piano.php
General Information
The piano (Italian pronunciation: [ˈpjaːno]; an abbreviation of pianoforte [pjanoˈfɔrte]) is a musical instrument played using a keyboard, which is a row of keys (small levers) that the performer presses down or strikes with the fingers and thumbs of both hands. Invented in about 1700 (the exact date is uncertain), the piano is widely employed in classical, jazz, traditional and popular music for solo and ensemble performances, accompaniment, and for composing and rehearsal. Although the piano is not portable and is often expensive, its versatility, wide range, ability to play chords, ability to play louder or softer, the large number of musicians trained in playing it and its ubiquity in performance venues and rehearsal spaces have made it one of the Western world’s most familiar musical instruments.
An acoustic piano usually has a protective wooden case surrounding the soundboard and metal strings, and a row of 88 black and white keys (52 white keys for the note of the C Major scale and 36 shorter black keys, which are higher than the white keys, for the “accidental” notes, which are the sharp and flat notes needed to play in all 12 keys). The strings are sounded when the keys are pressed or struck, and silenced by a damper when the keys are released. The notes can be sustained, even when the keys are released, by the use of pedals at the base of the instrument. Unlike two of the major keyboard instruments that preceded the piano, the pipe organ and the harpsichord, the weight or force with which a performer presses or strikes the keys changes the dynamics and tone of the instrument.
Pressing one or more keys on the piano’s keyboard causes a padded hammer (often padded with firm felt) to strike the strings. The hammer rebounds from the strings, and the strings continue to vibrate at their resonant frequency. These vibrations are transmitted through a bridge to a soundboard that amplifies by more efficiently coupling the acoustic energy to the air. When the key is released, a damper stops the strings’ vibration, ending the sound. Although an acoustic piano has strings, it is usually classified as a percussion instrument rather than as a stringed instrument, because the strings are struck rather than plucked (as with a harpsichord or spinet); in the Hornbostel-Sachs system of instrument classification, pianos are considered chordophones. With technological advances, Electric pianos (1929), electronic (1970s), and digital pianos (1980s) have also been developed. The electric piano became a popular instrument in the 1960s and 1970s genres of jazz fusion and rock music.
The word piano is a shortened form of pianoforte, the Italian term for the instrument, which in turn derives from gravicembalo col piano e forte and fortepiano. The Italian musical terms piano and forte indicate “soft” and “loud” respectively, in this context referring to the variations in volume produced in response to a pianist’s touch on the keys: the greater the velocity of a key press, the greater the force of the hammer hitting the strings, and the louder the sound of the note produced.
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Release Day – PVZGW2
On Release Day – PVZGW2, there seems to be a significant overpowering issue with one of the new characters. Rose. There is a lot of chatter in the general chat. But, lets not over-react. It is a game and it will get fixed eventually. My advice…play Rose…enjoy being overpowered.
If you have played the original PVZGW, then follow this link to import your characters.
How to import PVZGW characters
NOTE: We recommend that you import your characters before opening any of your free sticker packs. You can import your characters any time before February 1, 2017.
General Info
Plants vs. Zombies: Garden Warfare 2 is a third-person shooter, similar to Garden Warfare. Gameplay will largely remain the same as its predecessor, with the addition of 6 new plant and zombie classes, a zombie version of Garden Ops, titled Graveyard Ops, and a new mode called Herbal Assault mode, a swapped version of Gardens and Graveyards where the Zombies must defend the bases and preventing the Plants from capturing it, which supports up to 24 players. Different classes have different abilities. Most characters and modes (Team Vanquish, Garden Ops, etc.) from the original Garden Warfare will be returning. A new “remix” musics from the original Garden Warfare for the Zombies. New abilities for returning characters will also be introduced in Garden Warfare 2.
Unlike the first game, while in the original Garden Warfare can play solo only on Garden Ops, via private mode, in Garden Warfare 2 every mode in the game can be played solo. Split-screen multiplayer, private servers, twelve maps and forty different characters will be supported at launch. Free additional content will also be released regularly upon the game’s release. An internet connection will still be required as in the first game.
New Mode
A new mode called Backyard Battleground is also introduced. It serves as a hub world that is free for players to explore. In Backyard Battleground, players can access portals that are connected to missions, view unlocked characters’ bobbleheads, collect collectibles scattered in the world, and join King of the Hill-style matches known as Flag of power matches against artificial intelligence at will. When playing Backyard Battleground, the game will send waves of enemy heroes, although the game will also send crates, containing either an AI ally or coins. There are also plant pots or places where the player can build either plant turrets or Zombie bots. A shooting gallery and moon-based missions are also featured.
Plant and zombie variants the player earned in the original game will automatically transfer to this game. The UI has been improved, with Crazy Dave and Dr. Zomboss shown talking in 3D model of themselves (rather than appearing as 2D designs from the original Plants vs. Zombies).
At the bases of both the Plants and the Zombies, there are several common features, including a Customization Room allowing the player to change and accessorize characters, a Quest Board with different objectives for Plants, Multiplayer, and Zombies, sticker Shops, a Multiplayer Portal, a Mailbox, and a special Garage, with quest missions for both sides.
Exclusive Rewards
The game also includes many exclusive rewards for players who have played the original Garden Warfare. The player can use their Mailbox in either side’s base to import all of the unlocked characters and abilities that they have unlocked in Garden Warfare, depending on if they actually played the first game. They can also use their rank from GW1 to get loyalty rewards, which rank from sticker packs to an extremely exclusive character for those who reached the max rank 313, the Unicorn Chomper. Also, players who either pre-ordered or purchased the deluxe edition of Garden Warfare 2 will get lots of exclusive items, from emoji customizations to an exclusive Mass Effect-themed character, the Z7 Imp.
PVZ Garden Warfare 2 – Plant Variants
Plants vs. Zombies: Garden Warfare 2’s 14 playable classes is but the tip of the iceberg (lettuce). When the game launches later this month, there’ll also be more than 100 playable variants to unlock. EA and PopCap have launched a new trailer taking a quick look at some of the Plant variants you’ll see in the game.
“With over 100 playable variants to unlock, you’ll have no shortage of wacky, fun choices to play your way!” reads the latest blog post on the Garden Warfare website. “From Rock Pea to Zen Cactus, here’s a look some of the awesome new plant variants you’ll be able to unlock and play on February 23rd”.
You’ll be able to dig up Plants vs. Zombies: Garden Warfare 2 later this month for Xbox One, PS4 and PC. Check out the latest video below, then check out our own gameplay video with commentary for a look at more Plant and Zombie variants too. Carrots.
Launching on 2.23.16
12 New Maps
We love our fans, and we also love giving back to our fans. This is one of the reasons why we’re committed to supporting PvZGW2 with free DLC support after launch, but we wanted to do something extra special for everyone who played the original Plants vs. Zombies Garden Warfare. Not only will those players be able to port over all of their unlocks (aside from the promotional variants), but they’ll also get additional special rewards, based on the rank they achieved in the original game!
Lego Big Bang Theory
Build Leonard and Sheldon’s living room for display and role play!
Indulge your inner genius and build this LEGO® version of Leonard and Sheldon’s living room as seen in the hit American sitcom The Big Bang Theory! This set was created by two LEGO fan designers—Ellen Kooijman from Sweden and Glen Bricker from the USA—and selected by LEGO Ideas members. Featuring loads of authentic details to satisfy all The Big Bang Theory devotees and including minifigures of all seven main characters from the show, it’s ideal for display or role-play fun. Includes 7 minifigures with assorted accessory elements: Leonard, Sheldon, Penny, Howard, Raj, Amy and Bernadette.
Includes 7 minifigures with assorted accessory elements: Leonard, Sheldon, Penny, Howard, Raj, Amy and Bernadette
Features Leonard and Sheldon’s living room with all the iconic elements from the sitcom, including a telescope, whiteboard, DNA display model and various ornaments
Build an authentic replica of Leonard and Sheldon’s living room in LEGO bricks!
Great for display or role-playing scenes from the TV series
Includes a booklet about the designers and the hit American sitcom
The perfect gift for LEGO and The Big Bang Theory fans of all ages!
Measures over 3” (8cm) high, 8” (22cm) wide and 4” (12cm) deep
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Plants vs Zombies Garden Warfare 2 Beta
As announced previously, the Garden Warfare 2 beta will offer players access to a scaled-down version of the Backyard Battleground, which is a hub world that acts as a menu and connects players to every map and mode. For the beta players, the following content will be available in Backyard Battleground, with descriptions courtesy of EA:
•The King of the Hill-inspired mode, Flag of Power – Raise the Flag of Power and do everything you can to prevent the enemy from lowering it; igniting an all-out war where you’ll have to fight off wave after wave of enemies in a frantic, escalating battle.
•Stats Room – Display all of your characters’ stats and achievements. There’s also a sticker book where you can get an overview of all the characters and accessories you’ve unlocked.
•Quest Board – Visit the Quest Board for a list of dynamically updated challenges that will reward you for every completed event, and increase your XP multiplier.
Also included in the beta are two 24-player game modes (Herbal Assault and Gardens & Graveyards) playable on two maps: Moon Base Z and Seeds of Time.
Alongside those, new modes and maps will be rotated in as the beta progresses. These include:
•Modes:◦Team Vanquish
•Vanquish Confirmed
•Gnome Bomb
•Suburbination
•Maps:
•Z-Tech Factory
•Frosty Creek
Finally, the following characters will be playable in the Garden Warfare 2 beta (descriptions written by EA):
•Kernel Corn – Leading the plant offensive as the primary assault class with dual cob busters and a high rate of fire.
•Rose – An extremely powerful sorceress that can turn zombie foes into fully playable goats.
•Citron – A time-travelling bounty hunter from the future – and also an orange.
•Imp & Z-Mech – The smallest and most agile of the zombies that turns into a Z-Mech robo of mass destruction with missiles.
•Super Brainz – The flashy, punchy-powerhouse superhero with exceptional hair and charismatic smile.
•Captain Deadbeard – A crusty peg-legged captain with a trick weapon up his sleeve.
The Garden Warfare 2 beta has not been announced for PC.
The full version of Garden Warfare 2 launches on February 23 across PS4, Xbox One, and PC. However, Xbox One and PC players can jump in five days early if they have an EA/Origin Access membership.
Videos of my beta gameplay
Steelers in the playoffs
Ben Roethlisberger couldn’t throw. Antonio Brown couldn’t stand without help.
And in the end, it didn’t matter. The Pittsburgh Steelers are heading to Denver after the Cincinnati Bengals did what they always seem to do this time of year: they imploded.
Spectacularly.
Chris Boswell kicked a 35-yard field goal with 14 seconds remaining as Pittsburgh somehow pulled out an 18-16 victory in an — really, just pick whatever synonym for “ugly” that works — AFC wild-card game Saturday night.
Pittsburgh (11-6) moved into field goal position thanks to consecutive 15-yard penalties on the Bengals, one on linebacker Vontaze Burfict and another on cornerback Adam Jones. Burfict dropped his shoulder and hit a defenseless Brown in the helmet as the All-Pro receiver came across the middle, and Jones lost his cool after getting into it with Steelers assistant coach Joey Porter when Porter came onto the field as Brown was being tended to by trainers.
Boswell drilled his fourth field goal of the game on the next snap to give the Steelers their first playoff victory since the 2010 AFC championship.
“We won the game. That’s all that matters,” Roethlisberger said.
Pittsburgh bolted off the field without so much as shaking hands while the Bengals vented their frustration after easily the most painful of their eighth straight postseason losses. Jones took to Instagram calling out Porter, a post Jones later deleted.
Cincinnati might want to do the same after somehow losing despite rallying from a 15-point deficit to have the lead and the ball in Pittsburgh territory and the lead with 1:30 to go.
Then the Bengals turned into … the Bengals.
Hill was stripped of the ball by Ryan Shazier while trying to run out the clock. The Steelers recovered at the Pittsburgh 9, and Roethlisberger and his aching right shoulder returned for a last-gasp drive. Unable to pass with any real authority, he still managed to get the Steelers near midfield with 22 seconds to go when he threw high to Brown in Cincinnati territory.
“It’s hard to put into words,” said Hill. “Words don’t do anything at this point. It’s on me. I take full blame for it.”
He had plenty of help from two of his volatile teammates, both with a history of questionable decision-making.
Burfict, whose sack of Roethlisberger sent the quarterback to the locker room, lowered his shoulder as Brown landed. The volatile linebacker earned a personal foul. Jones compounded the problem when he lost his cool while jawing with Porter, easily putting Boswell within field goal range after Cincinnati’s eighth — and final — flag of a ghastly night that ended with an unthinkable collapse.
“We destructed on ourselves,” Bengals coach Marvin Lewis said.
Pretty much.
Roethlisberger finished 18-of-31 passing for 229 yards and a touchdown in rainy conditions. Jordan Todman and Fitzgerald Toussaint combined for 123 yards rushing filling in for injured DeAngelo Williams. Brown caught seven passes for 119 yards but was also diagnosed with a concussion.
Steelers in the playoffs.
Another Lionel Train Video
Lionel Train Video #2
Lionel Train Video
Lionel Train Video #1
In this video, the 623 – Switcher Engine is pulling the 6414 – Auto-Loader, the 3460 – Twin Piggy-Back Van Car, the 6464-200 – Box Car, and the 6457 – Caboose.
I had just oiled the wheel joints and greased the gears of the Switcher and it is running nicely. The new train platform table and fastrack were a snap to put together. Plasticville is not set up yet. I built the models but we still have to figure out the basic town layout.
Next I will be getting ready the 2345 – Diesel Engine and of course, the rest of the cargo cars.
Xbox One
The Dell Xbox One deal lasted for less than 3 seconds. I was refreshing the page from 5:55 p.m. until the deal was activated. I clicked on the link which send me to the disappointing page about being out of stock (if it ever was in stock).
So, I got a very similar deal from the Microsoft store. I got the Xbox One Gears of War 500gb version with a free game and $60 Microsoft store credit (which I can use to purchase a controller).
So, the final purchase price was $317.99 – $15.90 (discover) – $6.36 (fatwallet) = $295.73.
As with Black Friday, the Microsoft store itself offers the easiest and most versatile way of picking up a new console. It’s offering $50 off on all Xbox One bundles, as well as a $60 gift code and a free game (Assassin’s Creed: Unity, Sunset Overdrive or Rare Replay). That’s a lot of options for mixing and matching to your taste, and the $60 gift card means you could snag yourself a new release along with whatever in-stock bundle you want. If you just want to show up and buy an Xbox One, this is a good place to do it.