Daily Archives: September 17, 2023

Given that hes an excellent guitarist who had one of rocks best ever guitarists for a dad, you would assume that Wolfgang Van Halen learned everything he knew about playing the six-string from his father. In a recent interview on Chris Jericho's podcast Talk Is Jericho, however, Van Halen Jr revealed that it wasnt the case. Instead, he taught himself.

Everybody thinks my dad woke up me up and strictly went, practice your scales!, he told host Chris Jericho. But no, the only thing he directly taught me was how to play drums. He had magazines on the table and was like, do this and do this. The second he saw I could do that he bought me a V drumkit and for my birthday the next year got me an acoustic kit. Thats where I started.

All of his tuition on the guitar, he continued, came from himself, trying to learn the guitar parts to some of his favourite songs. I taught myself, looking at guitar tabs for System Of A Down and stuff like that, teaching myself. I think thats important because I was able to develop my own voice and flavour of playing stuff rather than just being a copy of dad.

Asked by Jericho if there was any particular guitar players that he tried to emulate, Van Halen said there wasnt, his influence more band and song-based. There wasnt any specific, shreddy guitar players that I was directly following, he said. It was more a bunch of bands Tool was a big band for me, expanding my musical knowledge. I noticed I became a better drummer when I learned how to play Tool songs.

He obviously did a good job of learning, and it wasnt the only stringed instrument he taught himself to master in 2007, he joined Van Halen as their new bassist.

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"Everyone thinks my dad woke me up and went "practice your scales ... - Louder

Aquinas Catholic junior Marcus Krivanek (77) runs behind offensive lineman Josiah Brezina (77) Saturday against GICC at Memorial Field in David City.

Aquinas Catholic football hosted Grand Island Central Catholic Saturday afternoon in its non-district finale at Memorial Field in David City.

The Monarchs pounded the rock all game with tailbacks Kurtis Baer, Marcus Krivanek and Lydon DeWispelare. On defense, Aquinas limited GICC's aerial attack in a 23-0 victory.

"We played really well on defense. Played really well in space. Kick teams were solid. Offense ground things out. We're becoming who we are. We're kind of a run-at-you offense and we didn't throw the ball," Monarchs head coach Ron Mimick said. "We got ahead, had some protection issues on one or two but we're getting better. Hopefully, we can just keep getting better and make a run at the end of the year."

Baer, Krivanek and DeWispelare engineered the Monarchs offense. The trio combined for 58 carries, 299 yards and three touchdowns.

Krivanek finished the game as Aquinas' leading rusher with 12 rushes for 115 yards and one touchdown. The junior scored the final touchdown of the game with 1:25 left in the fourth quarter.

"Marcus (Krivanek) really ran well (today). We're building depth," Mimick said. "Other guys are getting to play more. We're playing good. We're playing solid football. It's kind of old-fashion football, but it's solid football."

Baer received the bulk of the carries, running the ball 33 times for 112 yards and two touchdowns. The junior scored a 2-yard touchdown on the Monarchs' opening drive of the game, capping a 15-play, 65-yard drive that took six minutes.

That score proved to be the only points of the first half as Aquinas entered halftime with a 6-0 lead.

After a Kailer Pohl field goal made it 9-0 entering the fourth quarter, Baer punched the ball into the end zone for the second time on a 3-yard run with 11:10 remaining in regulation to extend the Aquinas lead to 16-0.

"The O-line really stepped up their game (today)," Baer said. "They made good holes, not just for me but for the halfbacks too and we were able to take advantage of it."

Monarchs junior Kurtis Baer spins off a tackle in Saturday's game against GICC at Memorial Field in David City.

Baer has been the bellcow running back for the Monarchs this season. He leads the team with 97 carries for 394 yards and two touchdowns this season. Saturday was Baer's second straight game of at least 30 carries and 100 rushing yards.

Baer gained experience in the backfield last season as a sophomore after an injury to then-senior A.J. Oltmer created the opportunity. He said that experience was beneficial for him entering this season.

"I've definitely improved a lot since the beginning," Baer said. "I've gotten a lot more physical since last year and excited to get better throughout the season."

Down starter Calib Svoboda for the third straight game, the Aquinas offensive line of Brady Junck, Wesley Miller, Josiah Brezina, Tyler Kastl and Aiden Rerucha won the battle in the trenches. Junck said they made adjustments at halftime to improve their blocking scheme.

"At first we had some guys blocking the wrong way and then coach kind of talked to us at halftime and then we started flowing together," Junck said. "We just kept saying next play, keep your heads up and then it seemed we got our ducks in a row and started going."

Monarchs senior Josiah Brezina pressures GICC quarterback Grayson Sack Saturday at Memorial Field in David City.

Defensively, the Crusaders relied on the passing game to move the ball downfield. GICC turned the ball over on downs five times, including on its final three possessions. It punted the ball four times.

"We stopped them the two times they got to our 30," Mimick said. "They had maybe one or two drives where they had multiple first downs, so that was good. Good consistency. We don't give up cheap plays."

GICC quarterback Grayson Sack completed 13-of-28 passes for 142 yards. Brezina and Pohl sacked Sack once and Junck and Miller combined for one sack.

On the ground, the Crusaders gained just seven yards on 18 attempts.

"After watching film, I felt like our D-line can get through and give them some pressure," Junck said. "Back guys did a really good job of covering too, so I felt like we got it taken care of."

Junck was named to the All-District Honorable Mention team last season after posting 45 tackles and one fumble recovery last season. He described how his season is going so far.

"I can definitely be a little bit faster off the line for defense," Junck said. "I need to start breaking down more. Slick field out here because of the previous rain. Other than that, I'm doing alright."

Aquinas Catholic junior Brady Junck wraps up GICC quarterback Grayson Sack Saturday at Memorial Field in David City.

The Monarchs improved to 2-2 as they embark on district play beginning on Friday against Louisville. Mimick said the team is where he expected them to be.

"We don't have any explosiveness on offense. We hope to get a little better the next couple weeks and take some shots downfield," Mimick said. "We have to get a little bit better on offense. We only ran two options (today). Got to go back to them as a part of who we are."

Sam Ficarro is a sports reporter with The Banner-Press. Reach him via email at DVDsports@lee.net.

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Monarchs pound the rock, pitch shutout in win over GICC - Columbus Telegram

MAL ROGERS heads to Iceland to see at first hand the gap between America and Eurasia

My left hand was in North America, my right hand was in Europe. This is not normally an easy trick to perform, but Silfra Canyon in Iceland technically speaking separates North America from Eurasia.

Technically speaking usually means not really, but here in southwest Iceland it certainly is true. Silfra is a fissure between two continental, or tectonic, plates located in Thingvellir National Park.

The massive forces of these plates occasionally cause earthquakes, and sometimes spectacular volcanic eruptions releasing molten rock and lava so dont forget your brolly.

Silfra is about 50km northeast of Reykjavik. On a clear day, from the Icelandic capital you can see the glacier-capped Snfellsjkull volcano across wide Faxafli. Viewed from here, the giant shimmering diamond of ice seems suspended between sea and sky. Novelist Jules Verne imagined that this was the entrance to the centre of the Earth, and mystics, Verne aficionadas and hippies still journey here to commune with the forces of the universe.

Despite having no confirmed adherence to any of these niche communities, I visited. In fact I was staying in the shadow of the volcano on Snaefellsnes Peninsula. From my room in the Budir Hotel I had a clear view of peak if Snfellsjkull blew, Id have a grandstand view and Instagrams to beat the band, were I to survive.

But nothing untoward seemed to be happening as far as I could tell. The view from the Budir appeared to indicate that all was quiet.

A treeless expanse stretched towards the volcano. Bubbling black cauldrons contrasted with the jagged mountains, the glaciers glistening white. If youre a fan of desolate and strange landscapes, youll scarcely do better.

The Budir, as you may have guessed by now, has no carefully manicured lawns, no shrubberies, no ornamental trees. As the phlegmatic Styrt, the manager pointed out, "Plants die quickly up here, unless they are lovingly cared for. In which case they die slowly." Styrt would be played by Gary Oldman in the movie about the journey.

After only two nights at the Budir I reluctantly had to get on the road again.

Because I was headed for Silfra, and those tectonic plates.

Just about everywhere in Iceland volcanoes growl deep beneath the earths crust. The movement of magma causes earthquakes throughout the country. Tectonically speaking, the plates can do likewise.

One earthquake in 1789 exposed a fissure that left Silfra Canyon the only place in the world where you can dive or snorkel directly in a crack between the plates separating America and Eurasia.

This is where Jules Verne should have headed you can well believe that looking into this canyon you might be able to spot the earths core. In fact, I may well have.

This product of geological happenstance would be reason enough to visit the area just to stand and gawp, but theres more. Water from Langjkull glacier gurgles and flows gently down the fissure and into Lake Thingvellir. The water, filtered through porous underground lava for up to100 years before reaching the spring that feeds into Silfra, is probably the purest youll find anywhere. Its certainly the clearest. Theres visibility of 100 metres below the surface. Tours down the river are always organised, with no facility for lone journeys, as far as I could ascertain.

To get down the waters of Silfra to Lake Thingvellir myself and the rest of the party were togged out in dry suits so that we could float downstream, between America and Eurasia, as it were.

So, it was on with dry suits. These came with incredibly tight bands on wrists, ankles and necks. After all, the temperature of the water would be between 2 to 4 degrees C. This would be roughly the same temperature as that which greeted the passengers of the Titanic as they entered the water. Without dry suits, of course.

Then it was on with the snorkelling headgear, and the flippers.

We launched into the water, head first, carefully keeping our hands behind our backs as we drifted downstream. These were the only part of our body exposed to the water, so best to keep them out of the near freezing temperatures as much as possible.

Soon I became unaware of the rest of the group as the current gently moved me down the channel. It was peaceful, and not cold at all inside my dry suit it was almost like floating along in a warmish balloon.

Both sides of the tectonic plates were clearly visible, everything with a turquoise, bluish-green hue.The crystal clear waters revealed a unique plant ecology that has evolved in the extreme environment. To be fair, its mostly moss, with a few wispy green things called troll hairs.

But the colours are stupefyingly vivid. Even Faberg might consider them a bit gaudy. The geology here looks like its made it up as it goes along elements deep in the earth are brought to the surface by the geothermal activity with a resulting kaleidoscope of striking colours.

Finally we floated into Lake Thingvellir, pretty much dry, definitely invigorated, and with a better grasp of geology than many of us had ever imagined would be possible.

A few years ago, I think around 2019 or 2020, Iceland re-affirmed its claim to the waters around Rockall. These, as you know, are already at the centre of a slow-burn diplomatic dispute between Britain and Ireland. It seems that Iceland has entered this bickering. But if youve got somewhere as magical as Silfra, why on earth would you want a rocky outpost like Rockall?

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A visit to Iceland where two continents meet - Irish Post

On

On Tuesday, Southern Living released its annual list of The Souths Top 50 Barbecue Joints of 2023, and it should come as no surprise to any Arkansawyer that Kibbs Bar-B-Q, the venerable Stuttgart institution, has taken the No. 44 spot.

Robert F. Moss, Southern Livings barbecue editor and the writer of the list, had this to say about Kibbs:

Central Arkansas has a distinctive if not widely-known barbecue style, and theres no better place to sample it than at Kibbs. Walter Kibble founded his first Stuttgart restaurant around 1980, and his family members now operate outposts in Pine Bluff and North Little Rock. All serveribs and rib tips, burgers, and smoked bologna, but the barbecue sandwiches are the real standouts. Sliced pork is tucked inside a warm toasted bun and dressed in the thick, sweet brown sauce that is a hallmark of the local style. The beef version is even better, with meat sliced thin then chopped into shards that brim with rich hickory smoke. That sticky brown sauce comes in mild, medium, or hot varieties, and even the medium version will leave your tongue tingling long after the last bite.

Its not the first time Kibbs Bar-B-Q has taken a spot on Southern Livings Top 50 list; last year the restaurant came in at No. 42. No other Arkansas barbecue joint made the list. Of the states represented, Texas had the most entries, with 15, followed by South Carolina, which garnered nine, and North Carolina, which took eight. Three barbecue joints from our neighbors in Memphis snagged a mention as well: Charlie Vergos Rendezvous (No. 47), Cozy Corner (No. 25) and A&R Bar-B-Que (No. 11).

Kibbs Bar-B-Q is again included on this years Arkansas Times Barbecue Trail and Passport as one of five barbecue joints representing the Lower Delta.

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Kibb's Bar-B-Q in Stuttgart lands on Southern Living's 'Top 50 ... - Arkansas Times

Now, unless you've been living under a rock, all that anyone seems to be capable of talking about at the moment is Apple's launch of its latest iPhone.

The tech giant officially announced the launch of the iPhone 15 series complete with a brand-new set of features on Tuesday (12 September) but it seems Apple users have noticed some pretty big differences between the devices bought in the UK and the US handsets.

And the difference in question?

It's all to do with an eSIM which Apple describes as: "An industry-standard digital SIM that allows you to activate a mobile data plan from your network provider without having to use a physical SIM.

"You can install eight or more eSIMs on an iPhone and use two phone numbers at the same time."

This effectively means that customers can load up more than just one mobile plan at a time onto their phone without having to go through the faff of physically removing and replacing physical SIM cards every time - something that I'm sure has come in super handy for people with both personal and work numbers, as well as jet-setters who hop onto a different data plan when abroad.

Not only is an eSIM said to be more convenient, but it is also meant to be more secure.

Apple writes: "An eSIM allows you to conveniently and securely activate cellular service without needing a physical SIM card.

"eSIM is stored digitally on your iPhone, which reduces the risk of physical damage, loss, or theft of your SIM.

"Once your eSIM is set up, your SIM card will be deactivated and can be removed from the SIM tray."

"Setting up your eSIM is usually just a matter of turning on your new iPhone and following the onscreen instructions," the company adds.

The move first came into action with the iPhone 14 last year, while the rest of the globe continued having devices fitted with both a SIM card tray and an eSIM option.

It's just a little over a week away now until folks can get their hands on Apple's latest offering, which will be available to buy on 22 September in the UK.

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iPhone 15 you buy in UK has a big difference to US handsets - LADbible

By Kate Ellis, News Editor

September 14, 2023

When Ouachita enrollment hit its peak for the first time in 57 years, thus making Jones Performing Arts Center incapable of holding all students for Tuesday morning Chapel, James Taylor, director of campus ministries, was tasked with finding a solution. For the first time in Ouachita history, the student body is split among two locations for the weekly chapel: the seats of JPAC and the pews of Berry Chapel. Overflow chapel in Berry consists of acoustic worship, a medley of guitar, piano and Cajon drum led by sophomore Christian studies and Christian ministries major Blair Yager, and a live stream of the larger chapel gathering in JPAC. Yager, who has a long history of leading worship, shares how this unprecedented event came to be.

James Taylor, Larry Grayson, Joel Winters, Ben Sells and a few others had a meeting about what to do for chapel overflow worship and they thought I would be a good fit, Yager said.They reached out to me this summer about the opportunity. Ive led worship since I was in the 4th grade, so Ive led at many different churches and events. I interned at a church in Little Rock all summer, and now I am currently the youth worship leader for Immanuel Baptist Church in Little Rock. All of these experiences have helped me grow tremendously into the leadership roles Ive been given. If it werent for those opportunities growing up then I would not be musically or spiritually skilled enough to lead today.

The acoustic worship in Berry is a large shift from the sound systems, light fixtures and overall encompassing stage presence in JPAC. However, this change is proving to be a positive one, with both students and leaders in agreement that the acoustic sound and close knit chapel building makes for a more intimate worship environment.

I personally love the atmosphere in the Chapel. Since it will always be an acoustic set, its more vulnerable and raw, Yager said. Everyones voices echo in the room so you can hear everyone around you singing, which is super encouraging and refreshing to hear your peers around you worship. It feels more like a church and that everyone wants to be there, not another class that people are required to go to.

Not only did overflow chapel succeed in finding a space for over 150 students, but it has also increased students desire to attend. Alaina Moore, junior accounting and finance major, shares her appreciation for this new development.

The acoustic worship in Berry is awesome, Moore said. Hearing everyone sing around you in Berry brings this feeling of fellowship and joy that isnt available in JPAC. The atmosphere is similar to that of Refuge, and it lends to a serene time of worship. The acoustic worship is very intentional and genuine. Its not showy and everyone is just invited into a space of communion with God. The people in Berry seem to want to worship and draw near to God and it leads to an environment filled with joy and peace. If overflow Chapel was ever offered again, I would jump at the opportunity to participate in it. I think its a great space of genuine worship, and I would love to be able to have Chapel in Berry every semester.

Whether this be a long or short term solution, it is safe to say that Berry Chapel is breathing new life into what is already an incredible weekly gathering among students, staff and faculty.

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Overflow Chapel takes an acoustic approach to worship The OBU ... - OBU The Signal

Now, unless you've been living under a rock, all that anyone seems to be capable of talking about at the moment is Apple's launch of its latest iPhone.

Apple officially announced the launch of the iPhone 15 series complete with a brand-new set of features yesterday (12 September), but it's clear that not everyone is 100 per cent on board with them.

iPhone users have since been warned theyre being 'robbed' as a new feature on the devices has already been on Android for years now.

The latest phone now marks the 16th generation of a device which changed the smartphone scene forever when it launched back in 2007. This update has been described by experts as the 'biggest update to the device in three years'.

There's a whole load of features including a USB-C charging cable point and Precision Finding, but there's one particular feature which seems to have really rubbed some people the wrong way - namely the latest model's panel feature.

In short, many Apple fans were left wondering what the latest model's screen refresh rate would be.

If that's all jargon to you - let me quickly explain.

The screen refresh rate effectively measures how often a screen's static image changes per second and this is measured in Hertz (Hz).

So, for example, a screen display with a refresh rate of 60 Hz means 60 frames per second, whereas 120 Hz and means there are 120 frames each seconds and so on.

And why does this matter?

Well, a faster refresh rate means a smoother viewing experience so it would make sense that people would be hoping for the higher end of the Hertz spectrum for the new iPhone 15 series but this was far from the case.

Canadian tech content creator, @RjeyTech, took to Twitter to share exactly what he thought about the latest iPhone series.

He penned: "120hz is not a 'Pro' feature, just because Apple calls it Pro Motion, doesnt make it a premium feature.

"There are $200 android phones that come with a 120hz.

"My point is an $800 iPhone shouldnt launch with a 60hz display in 2023!"

He continued: "Its the consumer who is getting is robbed, stop trying to justify a 60hz panel on an $800 phone!"

In another tweet, Rjey discussed why 'the average consumer doesnt care about 120hz' isn't a 'valid argument'.

"Its not that the average consumer doesnt care, the average consumer DOESNT KNOW THEY ARE BEING ROBBED," he claimed. "The iPhone 15 should at least feature 90 HZ in 2023.

"But no, here we go again with 60HZ."

Another tech head, @android_fhd, also took to the platform to share his verdict on Apple's recent launch.

He wrote: "It's that time of the year when many people still buy $799 iPhone with 60hz display because they think iPhone 60hz >>> Android 120hz."

Price-wise, the iPhone 15 Pro will set you back $999, with the iPhone 15 Pro Max costing $1,199.

It won't be long until folks can get their hands on the latest offering which will be available to buy on 22 September.

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Apple users warned they're being 'robbed' as new iPhone feature ... - LADbible