These sound-studies highlights of the week are lightly adapted from the May 4, 2020, issue of the free Disquiet.com weekly email newsletter This Week in Sound (tinyletter.com/disquiet). As always, if you find sonic news of interest, please share it with me, and (except with the most widespread of news items) I’ll credit you should I […]

** Watch the archives here. **

STORY HIGHLIGHTS

• Pastor Doug Batchelor will present a 10-day revival and reformation series

• From Friday, April 10 to Saturday, April 18 | 7:00pm to 8:00pm PT

• Sabbath morning presentations (April 11 and 18) at 11:00am

• Sunday night (April 12) special Bible Answers Live program

• Text the word "revive2020" to 40544 for event notifications

• Watch on AFTV, Facebook, YouTube, Roku and more! (See story below for links.)

• Topics include prayer, Bible study, repentance, confession, consecration, fasting, and more

• Free resource offers throughout the series

Hello, friends!

If there was ever a time we needed deep heart-searching revival, it’s now! The worldwide pandemic reminds us that we are nearing the return of Christ. Let’s not put off the spiritual preparation we will all need as we face Earth's final events. 

We are reminded, “A revival of true godliness among us is the greatest and most urgent of all our needs. To seek this should` be our first work.” That's why this Friday, April 10, at 7:00pm Pacific, I’ll be starting an online revival series that covers vital topics such as prayer, Bible study, confession, the Holy Spirit, self-denial, and more. You can find links to watch these programs below!

As thousands are sobered by these momentous times and search for spiritual answers, especially during this Easter and Passover season, let’s invite our friends and neighbors to join us in a time of forsaking sin and rededicating our lives to Christ.

Not only is our world at war with a deadly virus, but each of us has a personal battle against the forces of evil—we need to support one another to keep God's people spiritually strong and healthy! Here's how you can watch:

Livestream: 
https://www.amazingfacts.org/media-library

Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/AmazingFacts

YouTube: 

https://www.youtube.com/dougbatchelorpastor

Spanish:

https://www.facebook.com/amazingfactslatino/

Or view on AFTV on Roku or Satellite

Please invite your friends and neighbors to watch this special revival series. And pray for the health and safety of the millions impacted by the coronavirus pandemic—and that these difficult days will turn many hearts toward heaven.

Be sure to forward this webpage to all those the Holy Spirit prompts you to contact! And don't forget to text the word revive2020 to 40544 for event update notifications.

Praying for a revival of true godliness,

Pastor Doug

P.S. Can you help Amazing Facts present this series to searching hearts? If so, please donate here!

Schedule (Watch the archives here)

Friday, April 10, 2020 – The Thief on the Cross 

Saturday AM, April 11, 2020 – Real Repentance 

Saturday PM, April 11, 2020 – Sincere Confession

Sunday, April 12, 2020 – Receiving and Sharing Forgiveness

Monday, April 13, 2020 – They Found the Book

Tuesday, April 14, 2020 – Mountain Moving Faith

Wednesday, April 15, 2020 – Our Crucial Need for the Holy Spirit

Thursday, April 16, 2020 – The Priority of Prayer

Friday, April 17, 2020 – A Body of Believers

Saturday AM, April 18, 2020 – Walking with the Lord

** Free offers will be available throughout the program via text messaging. For those outside USA, or for those who are unable to text, the links to the daily offers will be posted daily on this news post. **

FREE OFFERS

Friday, April 10, 2020 – Kingdoms in Time

Friday, April 10, 2020 – Twelve Steps to Revival

Friday, April 10, 2020 – Three Steps to Heaven

Saturday, April 11, 2020 – Tips for Resisting Temptation

Saturday, April 11, 2020 – Is It Easier to Be Saved or Lost?

Sunday, April 12, 2020 – The High Cost of the Cross

Monday, April 13, 2020 – The Ultimate Resource

Tuesday, April 14, 2020 – Who Do You Think You Are?

Wednesday, April 15, 2020 – Holy Spirit: The Need

Thursday, April 16, 2020 – Teach Us To Pray

Friday, April 17, 2020 – The Search for the True Church

Saturday, April 18, 2020 – The Surrender of Self

By Gary Gibbs

Ordained in 1989, Pastor Gary Gibbs serves as president of the Pennsylvania Conference of Seventh-day Adventists. Before that, he served as the Chesapeake Conference Ministries Development director and as the vice president for the Hope Channel. Gibbs was also an integral part of the Amazing Facts ministry, including founding the Amazing Facts Center of Evangelism. He is the author of several books, including The New Winsome Witnessing and Prophecies of Hope Bible study guides.

An article in the Financial Times hints at how global responses to the coronavirus pandemic could facilitate Revelation’s prophecies regarding the mark of the beast:

“Many short-term emergency measures will become a fixture of life. That is the nature of emergencies. They fast-forward historical processes. Decisions that in normal times could take years of deliberation are passed in a matter of hours. Immature and even dangerous technologies are pressed into service, because the risks of doing nothing are bigger.” ¹

While the author is not making a biblical point, the principle of “fast-forward” is central to how Bible prophecies are sometimes fulfilled. Many are even now wondering if this global pandemic is a prophetic fast-forwarding event leading us to the time described in Revelation 13, where people will be commanded to worship contrary to God’s law. 

Could the events we are currently experiencing be what one author predicted for the last days? “Great changes are soon to take place in our world, and the final movements will be rapid ones.”² The answer may lie in two revelations being exposed by this pandemic.

They Are Watching

Multiple news sources have reported that our personal travel is being remotely monitored in order to understand the spread of the virus.³  That your movements can be constantly recorded is prophetically relevant, as such technology could be used to determine whether a person is obeying laws to “worship the beast.” A simple analysis of the tracking data could inform authorities whether you went to church or not (Revelation 13:12). The nanny government would either economically penalize violators or worse (Revelation 13:15).

Even now, countries are tracking compliance of pandemic stay-at-home orders. In the United States, 97 percent of the population has been ordered not to go anywhere except for the most essential reasons.  Disobedience can result in “civil or criminal penalties.”⁵  Violators in Western Australia face a fine of A$50,000 ($32,000 USD).⁶ Fellow citizens are incentivized to report non-complying neighbors.⁷ 

This pandemic demonstrates that authorities have the ability and will to legally prevent people moving around, buying and selling, or worshiping God in church.⁸ Clearly, the technology is in place to enable the enforcement predicted in Revelation 13.

Cashless Society

Combine this with a question posed in a recent Bloomberg Tax article, Why Going Cashless Has Added Value in Pandemic Age—“Do we still need cash?”⁹ This is not a new proposition. 

I recall President Ronald Reagan wrestling with how to stop the drug cartels. A secular financial newsletter that I subscribed to at the time reported that someone on Reagan’s cabinet suggested he could stop the illegal trade by removing cash from society. In reply, another cabinet member quipped, “Like the mark of the beast?” The room became eerily silent for a moment, then the president ignored the topic and pivoted to the next agenda item. [PQ-HERE]

Today, cashless transactions have grown from a frightening suggestion to a comfortable and convenient reality. In Sweden, considered the most cashless society in the world, 80 percent of purchases are made electronically.¹⁰ Even African countries use electronic currencies—more than 75 percent of adult Kenyans use a mobile-wallet service.¹¹ India, with the world’s second-largest population, recently pushed to eliminate cash by withdrawing the most popular bills from circulation. China’s central bank announced earlier this year that it is ready to test a digital currency.¹²  

Advocates for a cashless society see an opportunity in this pandemic. They point out that China’s central bank is removing money they suspect is contaminated.¹³ Perhaps, as Bloomberg Tax suggests, this pandemic will be a fast-forwarding catalyst. “Fear of contagion could accelerate the general trend to more digital payments, according to the Bank of International Settlements.”¹⁴

There are many practical reasons for society to go cashless that transcend this pandemic. “For governments, getting rid of cash would cut minting and distribution expenses and make it easier to crack down on tax evasion and drug trafficking. Stores could save on cash-handling costs, reduce theft and possibly earn more.”¹⁵

While eliminating cash may be a practical solution for banking and business concerns, even secular sources warn that a cashless society can easily lead to tyranny, just as is predicted for the mark of the beast. “Critics say that in a digital-only economy, governments and banks could take control of your financial life, leaving you penniless with a flick of a switch.”¹⁶

Is the End Here?

With barely a protest, more than a third of the world’s population was quickly put under lockdown.¹⁷ They gave up their civil rights to peaceably assemble, privacy, and even to earn a livelihood. If one were planning a Revelation-type event to bring people into line, it would probably look a lot like this. The only thing missing is a law commanding when people must worship. 

So… is this the end?

While this pandemic could be a fast-forwarding event, it unlikely spells the imminent end. Remember, the mark of the beast concerns forced worship. This is not an element in the current pandemic. However, Revelation does predict that things will dramatically change and that worship will be legislated someday. What fast-forwarding event will be the catalyst is anyone’s guess.

In a very practical sense, it’s not the future so much that we need to focus on, it’s the here and now. People are losing jobs, bills are stacking up, and this cruel virus is robbing us of loved ones. But even as an uncertain future anxiously overshadows us, we can reach for the hand of One who will safely see us through this storm. His reassuring voice says, “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; you are mine. When you pass through the waters I will be with you” (Isaiah 43:1, 2 NKJV).

2. White, Ellen. Testimonies for the Church, Volume 9, page 11. (1909)

3. See for example: GOOGLE IS TRACKING PEOPLE'S MOVEMENTS IN THEIR COMMUNITIES DURING THE CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC
Apple using Maps data to show if people are social distancing during coronavirus outbreak
Using Location Data to Map People’s Movements, Social Distancing Efforts, and the Spread of COVID-19
Google will release maps data ‘mobility reports’ to show people’s movements in coronavirus pandemic

4. Secon, Holly; Aylin Woodward. “About 95% of Americans have been ordered to stay at home.” Business Insider. (April 7, 2020).

5. Pearl, Betsy; Lee Hunter; Kenny Lo; Ed Chung. “The Enforcement of COVID-19 Stay-at-Home Orders”. American Progress. (April 2, 2020).   

6. BBC News. “Coronavirus: How are lockdowns and other measures being enforced?”. (March 17, 2020).

7. Ruiz, Michael. “De Blasio: New Yorkers can report social distancing violations by texting photos to authorities.” Fox News. (April 18, 2020).

8. Dallas, Kelsey. “Yes, the government can force churches to close. Here’s why”. Deseret News. (March 21, 2020).

9. Bloomberg Tax. “Why Going Cashless Has Added Value in Pandemic Age: QuickTake.” (April 15, 2020).

10. Sweden/Sverige. “Sweden—The First Cashless Society?” (September 11, 2019).

11. Horsley, Scott. “China to Test Digital Currency. Could It End Up Challenging the Dollar Globally?” NPR. (January 13, 2020).

12. Horsley, Scott. Ibid.

13. Yeung, Jessie. “China is disinfecting and destroying cash to contain the coronavirus.”  CNN. (February 17, 2020).

14. Bloomberg Tax. Ibid.

15. Bloomberg Tax. Ibid.

16. Bloomberg Tax. Ibid.

17. Buchholz, Katharina. “What Share of the World Population Is Already on COVID-19 Lockdown?” Statista. (April 3, 2020).

Since the coronavirus pandemic hit our world, it has turned many things upside down. Does this mark the beginning of the final events of earth’s history? What are the prophetic implications of this event? Join us for a 90 minute live discussion with Pastor Doug Batchelor and Pastor Jëan Ross.

[YOUTUBE-HERE]

By the Amazing Facts Webmaster

Recently, I was at the grocery store picking up a few items. When I got to the cashier at the checkout line, I tried to engage her in conversation by asking a few simple questions. (I find it’s easier to share materials with people if you’ve broken the ice.) I asked if “things were crazy there lately,” and she said yes, commenting on how rapidly their recent shipment of toilet paper had disappeared.

As she was finishing up, she asked me if I needed a bag. I told her no and pulled mine out and set it on the counter. She said that because of the COVID-19 pandemic, they were not allowed to touch our bags and that I would have to bag my own groceries. After she told me this, the thought went through my mind that “she probably won’t take any material that I try to give to her.” So I bagged up my groceries and left without attempting to share any tracts or DVDs with her.^*

That left me wondering: “How do we share our faith during a lockdown?” 

Right now, if you knock on someone’s door, they're not likely to answer it. If you try to hand them a tract, they may not take it. Even having face-to-face Bible studies with people is more of a challenge now.

Yet, at this time, people are wondering what on earth is happening. They’re wondering what all of these rapid changes mean, and they want answers. As Christians who understand Bible prophecy, we have the answers that they need, but circumstances have made it more challenging to give those answers the way that we used to.

So here are a few ideas on ways that you can reach out to people and share your faith during the coronavirus lockdown: [PQ-HERE]

1. Use Your Phone!

One of the pastors at our church is continuing to have Bible studies with people but instead of going to their homes, he’s doing it over the phone. Also, many people who may not be Christians appreciate prayer and would not pass up an opportunity to pray with someone. Lots of people are out of work and don’t know what to do or where to turn—so give somebody a buzz and see what happens.

2. Use Social Media! 

Many more people are online now. If you have a social media account, instead of posting only cat videos, post something of substance that speaks to the times in an intelligent and informed way. Ask thought-provoking questions and see what kind of dialogue it generates. You may find many opportunities to share as others express their thoughts and concerns about the things that are happening right now.

3. Use Text Messages! 

Who doesn’t have a cell phone nowadays? I personally don’t have a smartphone, but texting still works on my “dumb” phone! Send Bible verses or inspirational quotes to people. And if you don’t have a cell phone, you can still send text messages if you have a Google Voice account, which is free.

4. Use Snail Mail! 

Although someone might not take a tract directly from your hand at this time, they would likely have no problem if they got it in the mail. Lots of people are stuck at home and, quite honestly, they’re bored! Send them something to read or watch. A friend of mine mentioned that they were looking up random names and addresses in the phone book and sending an uplifting card with a Bible tract in it. What a great idea! 

I felt inspired by that and, over the weekend, I hand-wrote a brief letter to several neighbors on a nearby street and placed a Final Events of Bible Prophecy and Kingdoms in Time DVD, as well as an 8 Amazing Steps to Optimize Your Health and Ancient Prophecies That Reveal the Future! Amazing Fact Tracts.

I hand-wrote the notes because people are more likely to open a handwritten envelope and to read a handwritten letter. If you choose to do this, you can put your name or just identify yourself as a friend or neighbor; it’s up to you, but it’s a great way to share with people while they’re under lockdown. (Here is a link to the letter that I sent out with the materials. Feel free to use and modify it as you see fit: Dear-Friend.pdf.)

How are you sharing your faith at this time? Please share your ideas in the comments below. Others might be inspired by what you’re doing! Just because we’re under lock-down doesn't mean that we can’t be about our Father’s business. Let’s be prayerful and look for creative ways to reach out to others.

*Just a note, I still should have offered her a resource and allowed her to decide if she wanted it or not. The next store I went to, instead of assuming that the cashier wouldn't take anything, I asked him if I could give him something. The young man said, “It depends on what it is.” I pulled a Final Events of Bible Prophecy DVD out of my purse, and he said, ‘Oh yeah! I'll take that.’ Praise the Lord! But what if I had not offered it?

More than 2.5 million households across more than 60 countries tuned in for The New Heart, a powerful, timely revival presented by Amazing Facts International. 

With ten days of faith-building messages and crucial, relevant Bible answers from Pastor Doug Batchelor, president, the online series aired on Facebook, YouTube, and the AFTV online channel, and was even simultaneously translated into Spanish. Facebook users shared the programs more than 20,000 times.

Hosted by Pastor Jëan Ross, vice president for evangelism, the program was filmed at the W.O.R.D. Center with minimal on-site personnel—in keeping with safety measures during the pandemic.

Did you miss it? Watch it now!

“If there was ever a time when we needed deep, heart-searching revival, it’s now,” Pastor Doug noted. “The worldwide pandemic reminds us that we are nearing the return of Christ. Let’s not put off the spiritual preparation we will all need as we face Earth’s final events.”

And people responded to the invitation, with more than 25,000 emails and online messages pouring into the ministry. Vickie wrote, “Thank you, Pastor Doug. This series has really been an eye-opener, and I realize how important it is to read God’s Word every day. I really enjoy listening to you!”

The series also provided a time for families to come together. Viewer Sharyn noted, 

“I just want to share with you that my 91-year-old mother, Miss Jennie, and I watched all ten sermons, which aired here in our town each night at 9:00pm, and my mother would not miss even one. And, lastly, to show you how dedicated she was, she is extremely hard of hearing, so she had me place her chair right in front of the television so she could hear it to the exact volume that allowed her to hear without it being too loud or low. Thank you so much! Your gift made a wonderful impact on my elderly mother, and on me also.”

The daily sermons covered important revival themes, including, “Real Repentance,” “Sincere Confession,” “Receiving and Sharing Forgiveness,” “They Found the Book,” and “Mountain-Moving Faith.” On Sunday evening, Pastor Doug and Pastor Jëan hosted a special Bible Answers Live program on questions related to the topics featured in the series.

Free literature offers were extended during each broadcast. Viewers were encouraged to request the items via text message, ensuring they’d receive text reminders of subsequent programs. 

Amazing Facts International exists to make “God’s Message Our Mission” and spark revival among God’s end-time people. Thanks to the dedication of our ministry team and the generous financial support of our donors, The New Heart series reached millions and is continuing to impact the world, preparing this generation for Christ’s soon return!

If you missed the series or would like to watch the programs again, watch here. And be sure to share it with your friends and family!

If you’ve ever wanted advanced Bible training to become a better disciple, a better soul-winner, and a better servant of Jesus—but money, distance, or schedule has stood in your way—your wait will soon be over!

June 1 marks the relaunch of AFCOE Online, featuring Internet-based, interactive courses specially designed by the team at the renowned Amazing Facts Center of Evangelism.

And when you sign up by August 31, you’ll have the opportunity to receive special discounted pricing. 

• If you’ve already signed up for Amazing Disciples or Amazing Doctrines, you’ll receive the other course for free. (And if you sign up for both, you'll get the same 2-for-1 deal!)
  
  
• And to sweeten the deal, every course purchase comes with a digital version of the Amazing Facts eCangelism resource, which will get you off to a running start when sharing your faith in your community and beyond! (Learn more at afbookstore.com)

Unfortunately, the onsite AFCOE Comprehensive program has been delayed due to the coronavirus pandemic. But AFCOE’s flexible online course will be available anytime and anyplace and formatted for both desktop and mobile devices. Each AFCOE class is easily accessible and in-depth, delivering world-class Bible training at an amazing price.

Each course features video instruction by Pastor Doug Batchelor, Amazing Facts International president; Pastor Jëan Ross, vice president for evangelism; and Pastor Carlos Muñoz, AFCOE director, along with other gifted and experienced instructors. You’ll even interact with fellow students and have the opportunity to get your questions answered by AFCOE staff. Plus, weekly AFCOE Live sessions with the AFCOE team will occur throughout your course!

Amazing Disciples Online Course

The foundational AFCOE Online course is Amazing Disciples, an intensive, 13-week online class presented by real experts in the field—Amazing Facts evangelists and teachers! This course is excellent for personal devotions and Bible study groups, as well as being the perfect tool for churches to use in training members for outreach. Its purpose is to provide affordable, convenient, and in-depth and empowering Bible and outreach training. See more at online.afcoe.org.

Amazing Doctrines Online Course

Amazing Doctrines is a 13-week course that will ground you in last-day doctrines so you can boldly teach others the vital truths of Scripture. This course delivers focused, trustworthy teachings about Scripture, salvation, the sanctuary, the afterlife, the Second Coming, the Sabbath, stewardship, health, and the Spirit of Prophecy. Each week-long lesson features an inspiring introduction, Scripture to memorize, an in-depth Bible study, reflection and group discussion questions, and more to help you stand firm on foundational scriptural truths and confidently teach others to do the same. See more at online.afcoe.org.

Coming Winter 2020: Amazing Sanctuary Online Course

The Amazing Sanctuary 13-week online course will be an eye-opening deep dive into the earthly and heavenly temples and their meaning for followers of Christ today—while offering an exciting picture of how God’s sanctuary message will play a vital role in these last days!

• If you’ve already signed up for both Amazing Disciples and Amazing Doctrines, you’ll receive Amazing Sanctuary at an awesome discount!

Don’t Wait!

These courses are a great way to learn more about your faith—and then be able to go out and share that faith. Right now, with so much of the world looking for spiritual answers in the face of multiple crises, studying with AFCOE Online can have a life-changing difference for you … and for all those you will reach with Bible truth!

Go to http://online.afcoe.org for more information and to sign up!

Confidence is consistently believing in your own ability. It gives you an edge, elevating your performance, personal effectiveness, and even the quality of your relationships. The good news is that it's possible to build this magnetic quality over time—and there's no better time to start than now. In this weekly series, individuals new to the workforce, returning after a hiatus, or making a career transition can find bite-sized confidence-building tips for the moments that matter. Leadership consultant Selena Rezvani provides tips on improving your self-image, cultivating a growth mindset, and focusing on small wins, as well as other techniques for improving your self-confidence—minutes at a time. Tune in every Monday for a new confidence-boosting tip and start every week off more poised and self-assured.

If you're designing metal parts, you'll need to do things differently than you would for other materials and processes. This course shows how to use Autodesk Fusion 360—the affordable cloud-powered CAD and CAM tool that works like more expensive, industry-focused tools—to build effective designs specifically for subtractive manufacturing in metal. Thom Tremblay shows how to build solid designs, simulate how the model will hold up to the stress of production and use, render the design for presentation, and finalize it for manufacturing. The workflows showcased in this course are tailored to help the nonprofessional CAD user, and the maker, to be more effective and quickly have access to the tools that a few years ago were only available to the few and at an astronomical price.

Construction personnel of all types need to understand the role that civil construction drawings, or blueprints, play in the construction process. In this course, Jim Rogers explains why civil construction drawings matter and discusses how to use them on construction projects and job sites. Jim digs into the common features of civil construction drawings, going over standard details, project specifications, how to find the scale information of each drawing, and how to measure dimensions on construction drawings. He then shows how to decipher different types of civil construction drawings, including site and plot plans that describe how to locate structures on a property; grading and drainage plans that capture existing ground conditions and help determine the extent of the construction work to be completed; street improvement plans; and more.

Companies often collect customer data with third parties to enable better products and growing engagement, as well as for safety reasons. But users expect—and deserve—that their information is handled with great care. In this course, instructor Nishant Bhajaria steps through how to create an architecture to manage data collection and measure risk, as well as afford privacy protections relative to that risk. This architecture—which is a combination of technology, techniques, and processes—can enable companies to be more disciplined with data while collecting and processing it. Nishant goes over the current privacy landscape, explains how classifying data can save you money in the long run, and shares what the data classification process should look like. He also takes a deep dive into the data inventory process, explaining how to best approach it and discern whether it is succeeding. Finally, Nishant provides context on executive communication on privacy governance.

Note: Want to continue learning how to strengthen your organization's privacy infrastructure? After wrapping up this course, check out the final installment in this series, Privacy: How to Share Data with Privacy Controls.

SketchUp Pro, the powerful and popular 3D design software, boasts a robust tool kit that users can leverage to design, document, and share their projects. Whether you're a SketchUp veteran or a brand-new user, this weekly series can help you spend less time fussing with settings and features and more time designing amazing things. Instructor Tammy Cody shares actionable, bite-sized tips for using common SketchUp tools more efficiently, as well as how to generally work smarter with the software. Tune in every Monday for a new tip.

Note: Because this is an ongoing series, viewers will not receive a certificate of completion.

Interested in learning how to create an online experiment that helps you better understand your business? This course can help you get up to speed. Instructor Monika Wahi shows learners without a background in experimental design how to build an A/B test for a web page, run the test, analyze the data, and make decisions based on the results of the test. Monika begins by explaining exactly what A/B testing is and under what circumstances it is useful. She then covers potential strategies for increasing conversion rates, as well as how to choose both A and B conditions for testing. Next, she explains how to define conversion rates and develop and document case definitions, conduct a baseline analysis in Excel and, based on the results of the analysis, design an A/B test. Plus, she demonstrates how to conduct a chi-square test in Excel and get a sample size estimate using G*Power.

Want to learn more about Unreal Engine, but don't have time for a lengthy, in-depth course? In this weekly series, instructor George Maestri shares expert techniques tailored for artists and developers looking to build their Unreal Engine skills in their spare moments. Each week, George shares tips on everything from geometry to materials to lighting to interactivity. Discover how to create an architectural water effect, use vertex painting to interactively paint multiple materials, import specific terrain into Unreal, and much more. Tune in every Monday for a new tip.

Note: Because this is an ongoing series, viewers will not receive a certificate of completion.

Statistics help us make sense of the world around us. These numbers help everyone from political pollsters to fantasy football aficionados make informed calls based on the mountains of data at their disposal. In this weekly series, learn how to decode the statistics that pop up on a daily basis. Eddie Davila explores a new eclectic, real-world topic each week. Learn how stats are used to find the average score on a test, how casinos use stats to ensure that the house will usually win, and more.

Note: Because this is an ongoing series, viewers will not receive a certificate of completion.

Take your love of letterforms to the next level with this weekly series that explores all things, big and small, related to type and the practice of typography. These tips are aimed at people using Adobe Creative Cloud: primarily InDesign, Illustrator, and Photoshop. Some tips are specific to particular applications and some are purely conceptual and software agnostic. Tune in every Monday for another timely tip to improve your typographical skills and increase the efficiency of your design workflow.

Note: Because this is an ongoing series, viewers will not receive a certificate of completion. (Author: Nigel French)

Welcome to the Real Recording School Weekly series. Every week, Larry Crane leads a class of like-minded audio enthusiasts, engineers, and producers through a new recording or mixing challenge. Learn how to recognize and fix persistent sound issues like clicky bass, snare drum ring, boomy guitars, and hi-hat bleed, so that the music is all that listeners hear. The course features software and plugins, such as iZotope and Pro Tools, but almost all the techniques can be recreated in your favorite DAW. All you need to follow along is a pair of headphones and a passion for sound.

Note: Because this is an ongoing series, viewers will not receive a certificate of completion.

A crisis can spark uncertainty and chaos that challenges leaders, their people, and the structures they depend on. But leaders can take charge of what they can control to establish new routines and tactics that adapt and change with what is needed. In this course, review key leadership strategies gleaned from some of our very best LinkedIn Learning courses. This selection of curated highlights offers wisdom for leaders to help them lead themselves, their teams, and their organizations during this time of enormous change. Discover ways to turn adversity into opportunity, create conditions that encourage your team to practice a growth mindset, remain transparent when communicating with employees and customers, and much more. (Author: LinkedIn Learning Instructors)

Confident in your understanding of the Microsoft cybersecurity stack? Taking and passing the Microsoft Azure Security Technologies (AZ-500) exam can help you validate your skills—and, in turn, give your IT career a boost. In this course, instructor Pete Zerger lays out what you need to know to tackle the fourth domain of the AZ-500 exam: Securing Data and Applications. Pete takes a deep dive into the concepts covered in the second half of domain four, including how to configure encryption for data at rest, configure security features to protect web apps, and manage access to Key Vault. When coupled with Azure Security Technologies: Policy and Data Infrastructure—which covers the first half of the Securing Data and Applications domain—this course can help ensure that you walk into the test center feeling prepared to tackle this key portion of the exam.

Join Dr. Baxter Bell as he introduces you to this series on wrist and elbow health. Conditions like tennis elbow and carpal tunnel can be a result of repetitive and long-term mouse and keyboard use. These exercises help prevent the common pains that plague people who work at desks and computers. Baxter shares a simple antidote for tired, tight wrists and hands, as he guides you through a series of exercises to open up the upper back, shoulders, and arms. Follow along and unlock the potential to feel more open and pliable. Happier wrists and hands are the immediate result.

This course was created by Desk Yogi. We are pleased to offer this training in our library.

Plastic has unique properties not shared by other materials. If you're designing something that will eventually be created in plastic, considering the complexities of manufacturing in your design process is critical. In this course, learn how to design parts for additive manufacturing in plastic using Autodesk Fusion 360—the affordable cloud-powered CAD and CAM tool that works like more expensive, industry-focused tools. Instructor Thom Tremblay explains how to create a form, complete and visualize your design, and set it up for 3D printing, all while designing a ready-to-manufacture part. Plus, learn a more complex alternative modeling processes for creating a solid from surfaces and subdividing a solid model.

References, recommendations, and referrals are more than just flattery—they can change the trajectory of your career. Join Emilie Aries as she breaks down how to leverage these powerful endorsements to go further at work. Learn who to ask, when to ask, and how to ask—and how to follow up on requests without seeming pesky. Plus, discover a simple framework you can use to make sure you're giving as much as you're taking from your network of supporters.

Prepare for the LPI Linux Essentials (010-160) certification exam. This course covers the five domains of this popular Linux exam, so that you can earn your certification and expand your career options as a Linux professional. Learn the fundamentals of the operating system, get introduced to numerous Linux distributions, and gain experience in the configuration, management, and usage of common open-source software applications. Instructor Jason Dion also reviews commands and scripting, process management, networking, user management, and permissions. In addition to theory, you get step-by-step demonstrations in practical labs and really learn how to use and configure key features and functionality. By the end of the course, you should start to feel like a true Linux professional.

This course was created by Jason Dion. We are pleased to offer this training in our library.

Tableau is a widely used data analytics and visualization tool that many consider indispensable for data-science-related work. Its drag-and-drop interface makes it easy to sort, compare, and analyze data from multiple sources, including Excel, SQL Server, and cloud-based data repositories. In this course, learn what you need to know to analyze and display data using Tableau 2020—and make better, more data-driven decisions for your company. Discover how to install Tableau, connect to data sources, and sort and filter your data. Instructor Curt Frye also demonstrates how to create and manipulate data visualizations—including highlight tables, charts, scatter plots, histograms, maps, and dashboards—and shows how to share your visualizations. Along the way, he highlights the new features packed into this edition of the software, including Viz Animations, which allows you to visually follow the movement of marks in a data visualization to see and understand your changing data.

Empathy helps managers and employees communicate and collaborate better. This skill is even more essential for HR professionals tasked with talent management—interacting with employees at some of the most emotionally charged moments of their lives. Join workforce innovation specialist Sophie Wade as she provides weekly tips for building empathy and practicing it in the workplace. Learn how to apply empathy in specific situations to improve communication, collaboration, productivity, and performance. Plus, find out how to leverage empathy to enhance employee experience, including engagement, leadership, and recognition. These tips are valuable for all interactions, including those with people inside and outside your company, and will provides you with the knowledge to improve company-wide relationships and results.



Note: Because this course is an ongoing series, viewers will not receive a certificate of completion.

What if it only took a few minutes a week to become a better iOS developer? This series is designed to provide small, smart hacks that can improve the way you code with Xcode and Swift. Tune in every Tuesday for another short video, on topics such as version control with Git, MapKit, iPad Playgrounds, and iPhone X development. Create faster, more reliable, and better-looking apps for iPad, iPhone, or Apple Watch. Steven Lipton will help you take your iOS (and watchOS) projects to the next level, one week at a time.

Note: Because this is an ongoing series, viewers will not receive a certificate of completion.

Linux is the operating system of choice for enterprises that need a stable, agile, and open-source platform, and it's only getting more popular. Qualified system administrators are in demand. If you've been anticipating a transition to Linux for your company or your career, or thinking about using Linux at home, this series presents a great opportunity to explore it—one tip at a time. Instructor covers a wide range of topics relevant to anyone interested in broadening their knowledge of Linux core concepts, including virtualization, the Linux file system, file management, file transfer, process management, multitasking, networking, and security. Plus, learn about compatible hardware and the Linux desktop experience. Tune in each week to get a new tip, and keep learning Linux all year long.

In this series, there's a little something for every Revit designer—beginners and seasoned users alike. Each video focuses on a specific tip, trick, or troubleshooting technique within Revit. Do you import CAD files and want to achieve consistency? Want to get more from your dimensions? Need to check all of the views in a project and see if the settings are correct? Want to consistently configure crop boxes across the entire project? What about getting all the parameters in your family content in just the right order? These are just some of the topics in store. With a new video every week, you are sure to find something useful to add to your growing arsenal of Revit tools and techniques.

Notes: The exercise files included with this course can be opened in the latest version of Revit. If you are using an older version, some files may be incompatible. Because this is an ongoing series, viewers will not receive a certificate of completion. (Author: Paul F. Aubin)

This tips-based course will show Excel users productivity-boosting tricks, cool hidden features, need-to-know functions, and advanced content on subjects such as using PivotTables for data analysis. Tune in every Tuesday for a new tip from expert Dennis Taylor. Each tutorial is a short, self-contained lesson guaranteed to give you new insights into Excel.

Note: Because this is an ongoing series, viewers will not receive a certificate of completion.

Despite our best efforts, not all of our photos are immediate winners. In this weekly series, get techniques for turning good shots into exceptional photos in a matter of minutes. Photographer and teacher Chris Orwig shares insider tips for Photoshop, Lightroom, and more. Using real-world examples, Chris demonstrates how to leverage these powerful tools to enhance everything from wedding portraits to landscape photos. He also goes over general photography techniques that can help you ensure that your shots are authentic and interesting before you even touch any digital editing tools. Tune in each week for a brand-new tip.

Note: Because this is an ongoing series, viewers will not receive a certificate of completion.

Release tension and relieve muscle fatigue anytime during the workday using these self-massage and acupressure techniques from the instructors at Desk Yogi. When you need a break, these simple exercises allow you to relieve tension in your muscles and joints—all without leaving your office chair. Learn techniques for relieving soreness in your hands and wrists caused by using a computer all day. Get step-by-step instructions on how to find the right pressure points in your arms to give yourself a relaxing massage. Plus, discover how to relieve tension and headaches by giving yourself a gentle facial massage, soothe sore feet while seated at your desk, and use a tennis ball to enhance the effectiveness of your stretches.

Note: This course was created and produced by Desk Yogi.

Blender boasts a variety of essential features and add-ons for 3D creation. In this weekly series, learn how to better leverage these tools—and work with some features that you may not have heard of yet. Join David Andrade as he covers a variety of topics, including useful Blender simulations, updates to Blender such as the Principled BSDF shader, and animation techniques. Tune in every Wednesday for a new Blender trick to enhance your media production workflow.

Note: Because this is an ongoing series, viewers will not receive a certificate of completion.

Sometimes you need to experiment to grow as an artist. What better place to try out new design ideas than the Drawing Vector Graphics Laboratory? Every Wednesday, Von Glitschka introduces a new method, tool, or resource to stretch your creative muscle and explore a new artistic style. Each lesson pulls back the curtain on Von's design process—the good, the bad, and the ugly—to give beginners the self-confidence they need to start drawing and provide experts an inside look at a fellow professional's workflow.

Note: Because this is an ongoing series, viewers will not receive a certificate of completion.

Would you like to work faster and more efficiently with SOLIDWORKS? There is a ton of knowledge in the SOLIDWORKS community that you'll never learn from the documentation. Gabriel Corbett has spent years studying the program, attending conferences, teaching classes, and talking to fellow experts. In this weekly series, he shares his insights with you. These tips and tricks cover many different facets of the program, from renaming files, customizing properties, to sketching and constructing difficult geometry, replacing parts, and drawing links. Each weekly episode is just 2–10 minutes—ensuring maximum returns in a minimum amount of time. Tune in every Wednesday for new SOLIDWORKS tips.

Note: Because this is an ongoing series, viewers will not receive a certificate of completion.

Looking to add 3D to your professional skill set? In this weekly series, join EJ Hassenfratz as he shares tips, techniques, and strategies for boosting your 3D skills with Cinema 4D, the essential tool for motion graphics artists and designers. Learn how to enhance your designs—and streamline your overall workflow—with these helpful tactics. Tune in every Thursday for a new tip.

Note: Because this is an ongoing series, viewers will not receive a certificate of completion.

Implementing Cisco Enterprise Network Core Technologies v1.0 (ENCOR 350-401) is a 120-minute professional-level exam associated with the CCNP and CCIE Enterprise Infrastructure certifications. The exam tests a candidate's knowledge of implementing core enterprise network technologies. This course helps candidates to prepare for the first three domains of this exam: Architecture, Virtualization, and Infrastructure. Instructors Kevin Wallace and Charles Judd show how to design enterprise architecture, including planning for all the necessary services and capacity. They also cover the various types of virtualization, from virtual machines and switches to entire virtual networks, and review the infrastructure technologies you typically see in enterprise networks, such as MSTP and RSTP, IPv4 and IPV6 routing, WLANs, Dynamic NAT, and more.

This course was created by Kevin Wallace Training. We are pleased to offer this training in our library.

Take a deep dive into usability testing techniques and methodologies for user experience (UX) design projects with research expert Amanda Stockwell. In this course, you can learn which types of tests—remote or in person, moderated or unmoderated, task-based or unstructured—to use for specific types of projects and users. Amanda also shares tips on conducting usability tests, from recruiting participants to moderating sessions. Plus, learn how to analyze and present the results of your testing to the rest of your organization.

Learn how to create surveys and quizzes quickly and easily with Microsoft Forms, which comes bundled in the Office 365 suite. Curt Frye begins by showing how to create a basic survey, including how to add different question types—multiple choice, open-ended text, rating, and more—add ranking options, and allow for file uploads. Next, Curt steps through creating quizzes, including adding quiz questions, assigning point values to questions, and adjusting quiz options. Once you've learned to create a basic survey or quiz, you can learn how to edit forms, share them with other users, adjust themes, and preview how your form will look on different platforms. Finally, Curt shows how to view and analyze your results.

CompTIA recognizes that cloud-based infrastructure services is an increasingly important piece of an organization’s IT systems. The CompTIA Cloud+ certification validates that you have the skills necessary to plan, implement, maintain, and deliver cloud technologies and infrastructure—it's a credential that can boost your career and your visibility to employers. This course helps you prepare for the first domain of the exam, Cloud Concepts and Models. Learn about the different types of clouds and the basics of a robust cloud architecture. Then review the system requirements for cloud deployments, and discover how to successfully create and execute a cloud deployment plan. Instructor Tom Carpenter also explains how to test your deployment and resolve common issues.

This course was created by Total Seminars. We are pleased to offer this training in our library.

Sleep is mandatory. You can't outsource it and you can't negotiate it—and it has a powerful impact on everything you do while you're awake. So why not build habits to optimize your sleep and live your best life? Learn how to make sleep a priority and take steps to achieve sleep wellness. The Sleep Ambassador®, Nancy Rothstein, shares tips for optimizing sleep and performing at your best in work and life. Learn how to prioritize sleep, assess your sleep, create the right sleep environment, and adopt strategies to fall asleep and stay asleep. Nancy offers concrete, practical advice based on research and science—so you can master sleep as your superpower.

Learn how to use the rendering power of Redshift to improve your motion graphics workflow. In this course, mograph artist Ryan McCauley introduces C4D artists to this powerful rendering engine that plugs right into any production pipeline. Learn the basics of biased GPU rendering and the node-based workflow in Redshift. Discover how to use the tools and options in the real-time Renderview, control geometry, work with particle systems, and create your own materials and textures. Find out how to place and manipulate lights and cameras in a scene and output a final render. Plus, get useful troubleshooting and workflow tips to help your Redshift rendering—and integration with Cinema 4D—run smoother.

Become a Bluebeam pro. Bluebeam is a robust suite of software for working with PDF documents in the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industries. These tips and tricks can help you use Bluebeam more effectively and become an expert at managing your projects in a paperless environment. Industry expert Jim Rogers offers an ever-growing list of tips and tricks that will help you speed up your workflow and use new features like dynamic properties.

Note: Because this is an ongoing series, viewers will not receive a certificate of completion.

Selenium is one of the most popular tools for testing web-based applications. It allows QA engineers to write and automate tests across many different browsers and operating systems, without a special scripting language. This course introduces Selenium to new users, covering installation and basic use cases. Find out how to set up the test-writing framework, WebDriver, and Selenium Grid, which allows you to distribute the testing load and run tests against a remote server. Learn best practices to write effective tests using variables and functions, and to organize tests into suites that can scale over time. Instructor Meaghan Lewis—a QA engineer at GitHub—also explains the test pyramid paradigm, which details an ideal way to balance unit, integration, and UI testing.

Get your gear on! Join photographer, author, and educator Tim Grey every Friday for insights on camera gear of all kinds. In Photo Gear Weekly, Tim shares tips for mastering your camera's advanced features, recommends accessories that will streamline your shooting and expand your creative options, and spotlights hot gear—new and vintage alike—that you'll want to know about.

Note: Because this is an ongoing series, viewers will not receive a certificate of completion.

Engineering involves a lot of theory. But we don't always get to see it in practice. This series teaches fundamental principles that all civil and mechanical engineers need to know, alongside demonstrations that show how they really work. Using everything from desktop models predicting the movement of groundwater to hand-built examples of mechanically stabilized earth, instructor Grady Hillhouse explains how engineering concepts become real. Every month, he introduces an important new topic that will improve your understanding of essential engineering principles, including force, strength, tension, compression, and more, and help you find better solutions to common design challenges.

Note: Because this is an ongoing series, viewers will not receive a certificate of completion.

They will critique your nachos.

Groundhog Day, Back to the Future, The Matrix, and more.

If you thought the appearance of Ben would be the soapiest turn of this season, you were wrong.

He launched Diddy’s career.

And she wants to visit your island.