Latest news with #Dvorak
Time of India
13-07-2025
- Sport
- Time of India
Christian Dvorak perceives an opportunity with the Philadelphia Flyers against opposing NHL teams, offering contracts
Christian Dvorak perceives an opportunity with the Philadelphia Flyers against opposing NHL teams, offering contracts (Image Via Getty) Christian Dvorak's move to the Philadelphia Flyers shocked fans, who expected him to join a probable Stanley Cup contender. However, a veteran center had other priorities. His choice was not because of money or name but because of an opportunity to firmly cement his position on a team needing reliability, experience, and strong 200-foot skills. Having had offers from many other teams, Dvorak still found that the Flyers' style of play and gaps on the roster were most conducive to his style. Christian Dvorak's decision to go with the Flyers because of fit, coaching, and impact The Philadelphia Flyers signed Christian Dvorak to a one-year, $5.4 million deal on July 1. While the two-way forward was reportedly pursued by several NHL franchises, including the Vancouver Canucks, Dvorak gave priority to a central role farther down in the lineup with Philadelphia. Dworak found out the Flyers had a shortage of depth at center and hence could have this opportunity to go into a central Agility position rather than accepting a supporting role. A big part of Dvorak's choice was the history he shared with Flyers head coach Rick Tocchet. The two worked together in Arizona, and Dvorak credits Tocchet with shaping those early NHL years for him. That familiarity and, to a great extent, joining forces in a belief about competitive youth rosters swung Dvorak's choice to Philadelphia. Coming off a stable campaign with the Canadiens in Montreal, Dvorak has been performing. During the 82 regular-season games, he gathered 12 goals and 21 assists. His playoff showing in 2024-25, wherein he put two goals in five games, was the covert reinforcement to his position as a valuable two-way player. Dvorak has nine seasons of NHL experience under his belt and 534 regular-season games, with 105 goals and 144 assists to his name in total. His experience and ability to contribute anywhere, faceoffs, penalty kills, and even strength, give him the makings of a great addition to this Flyers roster, along with centers Sean Couturier and Trevor Zegras. Also Read: Isaak Phillips signs two-year contract with Winnipeg Jets, eyes NHL roster spot Before, it had been the signing by Christian Dvorak of the Philadelphia Flyers, but now it has set into a category of the player who looked beyond prestige and selected a place to provide leadership, contribute, and grow with a developing roster. Given a coach he trusts and a system he feels comfortable with, Dvorak may just be the most valuable signing made by the Flyers this offseason. For real-time updates, scores, and highlights, follow our live coverage of the India vs England Test match here . Catch Manika Batra's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 3. Watch Here!
Yahoo
01-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Canadiens' Christian Dvorak: Will He Stay Or Will He Go?
While Kent Hughes was able to make a big splash on draft day by landing Noah Dobson in a trade with the New York Islanders, the hunt to bolster the Montreal Canadiens' top six continues. It's no secret that the Tricolore would have liked to find that ever elusive second-line center. Still, pivots of that pedigree are few and far between on the market, and many teams are looking for that kind of gem, which has prompted the GM to widen his search to include top-six wingers that fit a specific profile. Does that mean the Canadiens should try to keep hold of Christian Dvorak? Marc Bergevin acquired the pending UFA after they had lost Jesperi Kotkaniemi to an offer sheet and Philip Danault to the Los Angeles Kings in free agency. It wasn't so much that Dvorak was what the Canadiens needed, but rather, he was one of the rare centers available on the market. Advertisement Canadiens: Alexis Cournoyer's Childhood Dream Comes True Canadiens: Patrik Laine Celebrated His Big Day Canadiens: Trade Rumblings On Kyrou And Matheson Four years down the line, the 6-foot-1 and 190-pound left-shot center only managed to play a complete season once in Montreal, and during that campaign, he only put up 33 points. After nine years and 534 NHL games in which he gathered 249 points, it's evident that the offensive upside he showed in junior hockey was brought on by linemates Mitch Marner and Matthew Tkachuk. Dvorak is not the man who could center the Habs' second line. Should Hughes bring him back to keep centering a veteran line with Brendan Gallagher and Josh Anderson? After all, they were an efficient line for the Sainte-Flanelle last season. We have to look back at the GM's season post-mortem to find a clue to answer that question. While he wouldn't speak about specific players, Hughes did say that he needed to be wary of blocking the development of his young players by signing free agents. Hughes is trying to build a perennial contender and wants to favour organic development. This past season, the Canadiens had two rookies who stuck around all season long: Lane Hutson and Emil Heineman. Both players had a more than satisfactory season and were well surrounded by veterans. Next season, it seems evident that Ivan Demidov will be one of the rookies, but there could be another spot up front up for grabs, which Oliver Kapanen and Owen Beck should be contending for. Advertisement Bringing back Dvorak could make them wonder why a veteran has just filled a spot they have in their crosshairs. If Hughes signs a veteran center, it must be an impact player with top-six upside, not one for the bottom six. Jake Evans is already penciled in down there, and you've got to keep a spot which the kids can contend for. Sure, Dvorak was experienced and could play on the penalty kill, but Kapanen did that in the Swedish league and even played on the man-advantage as well. The whole point of sending him back to Europe was to allow him to gain experience in areas he wouldn't have the opportunity to work on in the NHL. Now, with Dvorak gone, he does have that opportunity. If it turns out he cannot do it, Captain Nick Suzuki can always go back to playing on the penalty killing unit, although that would be less than ideal with his already heavy workload, but the option is there if needed. In other words, signing Dvorak to a new contract would send the wrong message to the youngsters; it would tell them that the organization does not believe they are ready to take the next step, and it could have a profoundly negative impact on their motivation. Of course, going with youth will bring its share of growing pains; there will be times when the team may miss the veteran, but that's a regular part of the process. It was the same with Hutson last season; as the calendar progressed, the turnovers and hazardous decisions decreased. That's just normal - young players need to learn and grow in an NHL setting. Gaining experience in the AHL is all well and good, but it remains a lower league, and what works there may not work at the highest level. They need to be allowed to find that out for themselves. Advertisement Could it backfire? Not really, the worst thing that can happen is that there are more growing pains than the Habs thought there would be, between that and being stuck with a veteran who has become surplus to requirements and is almost impossible to trade because of a contract that is either too long or too generous. This doesn't strike me like a trap Hughes is likely to fall into. Dvorak performed well for the Canadiens in a bottom-six role last season, but room must be made for youth, and that means there's no room for him anymore. Photo credit: David Kirouac-Imagn Images Canadiens stories, analysis, breaking news, and more! Tap the star to add us to your favorites on Google News, never to miss a story. Follow Karine on X @KarineHains Bluesky @ and Threads @karinehains. Advertisement Bookmark The Hockey News Canadiens' page for all the news and happenings around the Canadiens. Join the discussion by signing up to the Canadiens' roundtable on The Hockey News.
Scotsman
01-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Scotsman
I popped to Prague and it was alive with the sound of music
Marion Ainge pops to the stunning city of Prague for a cultural reset Sign up to our daily newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Edinburgh News, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... From an open window, we hear a tinkling piano accompanying the voice of a soprano practising her musical scales. On Prague's famous Charles Bridge, a lively jazz quartet entertains. And at legendary composer Dvorak's former home, in Nelahozeves, we're surrounded by the sounds of his internationally renowned New World Symphony which fills every room. In 1969, Neil Armstrong, commander of the Apollo 11 spaceship and first man on the moon, took a cassette recording of this symphony, composed in the United States, on his epic mission. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The rooftops of Prague | Marion Ainge It's around two hours by EasyJet airline from northern UK airports to Prague, known as the city of 1,000 spires. Situated in the heart of Czechia, the blend of music, history, culture and gastronomy attracts around eight million visitors every year. Aria Hotel garden | Marion Ainge Our base is the luxurious, aptly named-5-star boutique Hotel Aria sited in the Old Town, just minutes from Charles Bridge. Rooms are dedicated to a specific style of music, artist or composer and there are other musical touches - the top of the bar counter is designed to resemble a piano keyboard. The exquisite, Baroque-themed Unesco Heritage garden is a favourite setting for the most romantic of wedding photographs. Breakfast at the Hotel Aria is a symphony of delights! I manage to resist the creamy pastries to choose a bowl of sweet, fresh strawberries and a truffle oil omelet. The building of one of the oldest bridges in Europe, the Medieval, stone-arched Charles Bridge began in 1357 during the reign of King Charles lV and was completed in the early 15th century. At 516 metres long and almost 10 metres wide, it crosses the River Vltava from the Old Town to the castle, features 30 stone statues and is bordered by two towers. Pedestrianised, it's always buzzing with two-way walkers and is full of activity with musicians, street entertainers, stalls, painters and artists. In the city, it's also worth seeing the psychedelic, colour-splashed John Lennon Wall; Devil's Canal also known as Little Prague Venice and the London-themed pub, complete with red telephone box. Beethoven and Mozart are listed among the city's most famous visitors over the years. The Bedrich Smetana Museum, within a neo-Renaissance building on the river banks, explores the life and works of one of the most influential Czech composers. The top of the Old Town Hall Gothic tower affords panoramic views of the city and houses the famous Astronomical Clock. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Brno main square | Marion Ainge A two-hour journey takes us to Brno in south Moravia, a university city which boasts a vibrant gastronomy scene with trendy coffee shops and bars. In the great composer Janacek's former house, now a memorial, a violinist plays a selection of Janacek's 15 famous folk songs. This Brno is a very different one from the memory I have of a visit with one of my sons many years ago. It was Bastille Day when we came across husband and wife French patriots clad in late 17th century blue, white and red costumes, who carried a large French flag on a pole. They were celebrating the historical turning point of the French Revolution. Our newfound friends spoke no English, but in a moody cavern bar, the language barrier was crossed with mother and son's limited French. Czech liqueur, Becherovka helped us along as we waved the French flag. In the historic town of Jihlava, an exhibition tour in Gustav Mahler's house follows the world-famous composer's life and work in his childhood home. We taste a shot with a kick of Mahlerovka, a Bohemian herbal liqueur, fragrant with linden blossom, which dates back to 1861 when the original recipe was created by Mahler's father Bernard. One of the most authentic dishes is Svickova, (tenderloin) or traditionally beef topside is served with cream-based vegetable sauce and dumplings. However, we enjoy lunch at the renowned 420 restaurant, situated in the oldest Prague square, where Czech cuisine, presented in an creative way with a difference, is designed by Michelin-starred chef, Radek Kasparek. Set within a former palace, the extraordinary interior design combines urban style with grandeur. Dishes are inspired works of art which taste incredible, but don't expect your chosen plate to look like anything you imagine. This is the surprise element. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Prague Offspring Ensemble Modern | Marion Ainge Our musical treats include a contemporary classical concert by the Prague Offspring Ensemble Modern 1 in the DOX Centre for Contemporary Art, which is a leading venue for innovative culture and performance. I'm a traditionalist when it comes to classical music, but I'm open-minded about this new, avant garde musical experience. Following the last note, the orchestra and conductor receive rapturous applause and a standing ovation from an enthusiastic audience, who cheer and whoop, bringing the conductor back on stage several times for additional adulation. My favourite memory of this incredible musical journey is of the heart-warming, open air Prague Spring Teen annual family festival concert within the flower-filled grounds of the St Agnes, Monastery, a 13th century convent and gallery in Prague, on a balmy evening This event is the culmination of a festival day featuring crazy games and activities aimed at youngsters and families. The professional vocalists' selection of popular songs pleases adults and young ones alike. Everyone joins in the dynamic finale, which features the whole cast. Young children run up to jostle and jiggle about alongside the stage, singing loudly and playing 'instruments' they made in the workshops. I still have the song in my head! Find out more:
Scotsman
01-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Scotsman
I popped to Prague and it was alive with the sound of music
Marion Ainge pops to the stunning city of Prague for a cultural reset Sign up to our daily newsletter – Regular news stories and round-ups from around Scotland direct to your inbox Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... From an open window, we hear a tinkling piano accompanying the voice of a soprano practising her musical scales. On Prague's famous Charles Bridge, a lively jazz quartet entertains. And at legendary composer Dvorak's former home, in Nelahozeves, we're surrounded by the sounds of his internationally renowned New World Symphony which fills every room. In 1969, Neil Armstrong, commander of the Apollo 11 spaceship and first man on the moon, took a cassette recording of this symphony, composed in the United States, on his epic mission. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The rooftops of Prague | Marion Ainge It's around two hours by EasyJet airline from northern UK airports to Prague, known as the city of 1,000 spires. Situated in the heart of Czechia, the blend of music, history, culture and gastronomy attracts around eight million visitors every year. Aria Hotel garden | Marion Ainge Our base is the luxurious, aptly named-5-star boutique Hotel Aria sited in the Old Town, just minutes from Charles Bridge. Rooms are dedicated to a specific style of music, artist or composer and there are other musical touches - the top of the bar counter is designed to resemble a piano keyboard. The exquisite, Baroque-themed Unesco Heritage garden is a favourite setting for the most romantic of wedding photographs. Breakfast at the Hotel Aria is a symphony of delights! I manage to resist the creamy pastries to choose a bowl of sweet, fresh strawberries and a truffle oil omelet. The building of one of the oldest bridges in Europe, the Medieval, stone-arched Charles Bridge began in 1357 during the reign of King Charles lV and was completed in the early 15th century. At 516 metres long and almost 10 metres wide, it crosses the River Vltava from the Old Town to the castle, features 30 stone statues and is bordered by two towers. Pedestrianised, it's always buzzing with two-way walkers and is full of activity with musicians, street entertainers, stalls, painters and artists. In the city, it's also worth seeing the psychedelic, colour-splashed John Lennon Wall; Devil's Canal also known as Little Prague Venice and the London-themed pub, complete with red telephone box. Beethoven and Mozart are listed among the city's most famous visitors over the years. The Bedrich Smetana Museum, within a neo-Renaissance building on the river banks, explores the life and works of one of the most influential Czech composers. The top of the Old Town Hall Gothic tower affords panoramic views of the city and houses the famous Astronomical Clock. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Brno main square | Marion Ainge A two-hour journey takes us to Brno in south Moravia, a university city which boasts a vibrant gastronomy scene with trendy coffee shops and bars. In the great composer Janacek's former house, now a memorial, a violinist plays a selection of Janacek's 15 famous folk songs. This Brno is a very different one from the memory I have of a visit with one of my sons many years ago. It was Bastille Day when we came across husband and wife French patriots clad in late 17th century blue, white and red costumes, who carried a large French flag on a pole. They were celebrating the historical turning point of the French Revolution. Our newfound friends spoke no English, but in a moody cavern bar, the language barrier was crossed with mother and son's limited French. Czech liqueur, Becherovka helped us along as we waved the French flag. In the historic town of Jihlava, an exhibition tour in Gustav Mahler's house follows the world-famous composer's life and work in his childhood home. We taste a shot with a kick of Mahlerovka, a Bohemian herbal liqueur, fragrant with linden blossom, which dates back to 1861 when the original recipe was created by Mahler's father Bernard. One of the most authentic dishes is Svickova, (tenderloin) or traditionally beef topside is served with cream-based vegetable sauce and dumplings. However, we enjoy lunch at the renowned 420 restaurant, situated in the oldest Prague square, where Czech cuisine, presented in an creative way with a difference, is designed by Michelin-starred chef, Radek Kasparek. Set within a former palace, the extraordinary interior design combines urban style with grandeur. Dishes are inspired works of art which taste incredible, but don't expect your chosen plate to look like anything you imagine. This is the surprise element. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Prague Offspring Ensemble Modern | Marion Ainge Our musical treats include a contemporary classical concert by the Prague Offspring Ensemble Modern 1 in the DOX Centre for Contemporary Art, which is a leading venue for innovative culture and performance. I'm a traditionalist when it comes to classical music, but I'm open-minded about this new, avant garde musical experience. Following the last note, the orchestra and conductor receive rapturous applause and a standing ovation from an enthusiastic audience, who cheer and whoop, bringing the conductor back on stage several times for additional adulation. My favourite memory of this incredible musical journey is of the heart-warming, open air Prague Spring Teen annual family festival concert within the flower-filled grounds of the St Agnes, Monastery, a 13th century convent and gallery in Prague, on a balmy evening This event is the culmination of a festival day featuring crazy games and activities aimed at youngsters and families. The professional vocalists' selection of popular songs pleases adults and young ones alike. Everyone joins in the dynamic finale, which features the whole cast. Young children run up to jostle and jiggle about alongside the stage, singing loudly and playing 'instruments' they made in the workshops. I still have the song in my head!
Android Authority
03-06-2025
- General
- Android Authority
Here's how I create unique keyboard layouts on my Samsung Galaxy phone
Saeed Wazir / Android Authority I prefer Galaxy phones over the competition because they offer extensive customization features to personalize my experience. No other platform offers as much freedom, and I love having unique themes and layouts that match my style. Good Lock is one of my go-to apps for customizing and enhancing my phone's functionality. It's free and includes several modules geared towards specific enhancements, like homescreen customization. Today, I'll cover the Keys Cafe module, which I use to create bespoke Samsung Keyboard designs. It's the perfect keyboard customization tool because its comprehensive features can transform the key layout and add visual enhancements, like bright colors and effects. Keys Cafe includes five tools called Make your own keyboard, Style your own keyboard, My Sticker, Play keyboard game, and Advanced keyboard setting. Each of these handles a different aspect of the keyboard customization process, which I'll explain in detail below. There are two ways to download Keys Cafe. The first option is to download it from the Samsung Galaxy or Google Play stores as part of the Good Lock app. This way will also download other modules to customize your phone's sounds, themes, and other settings. You can also download Keys Cafe as a standalone app from the above stores if you only want to customize your keyboard and don't need the other tools. Have you tried customizing your phone's keyboard? 0 votes Yes NaN % No NaN % I start with a new layout as a foundation Saeed Wazir / Android Authority Make your own keyboard is the first tool in Keys Cafe. It's the best place to start because it provides a clean slate as a foundation to build upon. I can choose a Simple, Dvorak, or ColeMak keyboard as a foundation and then get to work adding the keys I want. Alternatively, I can try a Math, Chemistry, or combined Math and Chemistry keyboard, although these are more suited for professionals who need unique symbols and formulas. Make your own keyboard is the best place to start because it provides a clean slate to work with. After selecting my base layout, I delve into the settings. The interface displays a standard white keyboard and lets me add more rows of emojis or other symbols to the top. Having too many extra rows makes it challenging to find the right keys amongst the clutter, so I stick to two or three at the most. I then modify the rows by adding and removing individual keys to ensure I always have quick access to the ones I use often. These are usually smiley and angry face emojis, along with hearts, to send to my wife. Another feature assigns frequently used words to a single key. The presets include common words like 'Hi' and 'Sorry,' and I create my own, like 'Goodbye' and 'Get lost,' so I don't need to type them out all the time. I only use a handful of these words because space is tight, and I need room for other keys. Custom layouts can get cramped, and I can make things more manageable by adjusting the key size. I change the height and width of each key individually to make the spacebar, comma, or other commonly used keys larger and easier to access. The same feature lets me select all the keys simultaneously and adjust their sizes to spread or bring them closer together, depending on the available space. Add custom themes and vibrant colors to the keyboard Saeed Wazir / Android Authority Style your own keyboard is the second Keys Cafe tool for adding custom colors and themes to liven up the layout. The tool is divided into two sections. My Themes is for creating unique keyboard designs from scratch, and Recommendations, which lists various preset color options to make things easier. After choosing custom colors from these tools, I can use the Effects and Sound tabs at the bottom of the interface to add other cosmetic upgrades to my keys. I prefer building custom keyboards with My Themes when I feel creative. The creation tool displays a standard white keyboard onscreen with circles highlighting certain zones. I then change the colors of each zone with the RGB picking tool to create an original theme. There's no limit on the color combinations, and I can save multiple themes to match my mood or wallpaper. This tool is ideal for individuals who enjoy tinkering and are willing to invest time in creating something different. On the other hand, it can be complicated for beginners and requires the Good Lock Theme Park module to work. The Recommendation feature is more user-friendly and includes over 30 preset color combinations to upgrade my keyboard's appearance. The presets offer a wide range of dark and bright colors, which are easy to apply. I usually go through all of them to see which one I like the best or try to find a color scheme that matches my phone's theme. Style your own keyboard adds custom colors and themes to liven up the layout. I take my key customization further with the Style your own keyboard Effects tool at the bottom of the interface. It displays several swirling colors and motion effects on its home screen, which I can apply to the keys. When I press them, I'll see colorful animations and movement effects that last around a second. I use this feature sparingly, only adding one effect at a time, because having a maximum of three running simultaneously can be overwhelming and distracting. The Sound tool, located at the bottom right, adds audio to each keypress. It includes preset sounds, like Calm, Space, and Retro, which I can activate with a radio button. Hearing sounds on every keypress isn't my thing, but others will appreciate it. Create unique stickers from your photos and images Saeed Wazir / Android Authority My Sticker is the third Keys Cafe tool and a fun and straightforward feature for creative users. To create a sticker, I select images from my library or take a photo. After choosing the images, I then crop them to the size I prefer. I can also add new tags from emoji presets or create my own with the text input tool. The custom sticker I created will now be available in the Samsung Keyboard app, and I can use it in my messages. I enjoy creating custom stickers from images of animals and family photos, which I can send to friends to add a personal touch to my messages. Test your typing skills with these keyboard games Saeed Wazir / Android Authority The Keys Cafe Play keyboard game utility is more of a fun feature and isn't for customization. I've still included it because it's part of the Keys Cafe module and includes two games, Sentence Practice and Word Rain to improve your typing skills. Sentence Practice displays a phrase or sentence in a window. I then need to type it out as quickly and accurately as possible in the window below. The game ends after ten phrases and provides an accuracy and speed score for my typing skills. Play keyboard game isn't for customization, but I've included it because it's part of the Keys Cafe module. Word Rain tests typing speed. The words fall down the screen like rain droplets, and I need to type them as fast as I can before they pile up and cause a flood. The water level rises whenever I don't spell a word fast enough, and the goal is to reach the highest score and stage before drowning. Tweak performance with Advanced Keyboard Setting Saeed Wazir / Android Authority The last tool in Keys Cafe is called Advanced Keyboard Setting. It's less flashy compared to the others and consists of simple sliders to activate or deactivate certain keyboard settings. The settings include tools to use sticker suggestions in a larger view, turn off the delete accelerator, and add a longer spacebar when typing URLs. I don't use any of the Advanced Keyboard Setting features, but they are worth testing because you might like them. Tinkering with my keyboard isn't just about stylish visual effects, as having custom keys makes my typing faster and easier. I also appreciate that Keys Cafe offers sliders to toggle its customization features on and off, allowing me to revert to the default keyboard whenever I want. If you enjoy upgrading your keyboard with Keys Cafe, you may also want to try other Good Lock modules, such as Theme Park or Sound Assistant, to give your phone's aesthetics an overhaul.
