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San Francisco Chronicle
a day ago
- Entertainment
- San Francisco Chronicle
Paul Simon's quiet power remains strong in San Francisco concert
Witnessing singer-songwriters mature over decades can often reveal the true substance of their work. For Paul Simon, his light, nuanced tenor — that first emerged as part of the folk duo Simon & Garfunkel to help define the sound of the 1960s — has changed into something lower and softer at age 83. It commands that you lean in at times. His growl is like the grain of the wood barrels that age whiskey. It colors and underlines Simon's abilities as a songwriter, the stunning poetry that's been a part of American culture for seven decades. More Information Davies Symphony Hall Setlist Act 1: 'The Lord' 'Love Is Like A Braid' 'My Professional Opinion' 'Your Forgiveness' 'Trail of Volcanoes' 'The Sacred Harp' 'Wait' Act 2: 'Graceland' 'Slip Slidin' Away' 'Train in the Distance' 'Homeward Bound' (Simon & Garfunkel song) 'The Late Great Johnny Ace' 'St. Judy's Comet' 'Under African Skies' 'Rene and Georgette Magritte With Their Dog After the War' 'Rewrite' 'Spirit Voices' 'Mother and Child Reunion' 'Me and Julio Down by the Schoolyard' Encore One: 'Father and Daughter' '50 Ways to Leave Your Lover' 'The Boxer' (Simon & Garfunkel song) Encore Two: 'The Sound of Silence' (Simon & Garfunkel song) That lived-in voice, shaped by time and experience, met a fitting match in the intimate setting of Davies Symphony Hall where Simon — onstage just a few weeks after his emergency back surgery — performed the first of three shows on Saturday, July 19, as part of his A Quiet Celebration tour in support of his latest album, 'Seven Psalms.' One of the most affecting moments of the two hour-long concert came when he sang 'Homeward Bound.' About a young man who seeks his calling in the world but eventually feels the pull back to where he came from, the song has a different poignancy. You feels the miles he's traveled in his voice, and there's a new wisdom Simon now imbues into the 1966 Simon & Garfunkel classic. Tears welled in the eyes of many in the largely baby boomer audience. It was a moment that made clear that some great storytellers and their material can get better with age. A member of the Rock & Roll and Grammy Halls of Fame, Simon helped form the soundtrack of 1960s counterculture with folk-rock hits written with Art Garfunkel, including 'The Sound of Silence' and 'Mrs. Robinson' — the latter forever tied to the Bay Area thanks to its use in the 1967 film 'The Graduate,' where it plays as Dustin Hoffman drives across the Bay Bridge. Albums 'Graceland' (1986) with its Southern African influences and 'The Rhythm of the Saints' (1990) drawing from Brazilian folk traditions were best sellers and artistic successes. 'This tour is the first opportunity I've had performing with my band since before COVID,' he told the audience referring to his excellent ensemble that included Caleb Burhans (viola), Jamey Haddad (percussion), Gyan Riley (guitar), Mick Rossi (piano, keys), Andy Snitzer (saxophone), Nancy Stagnitta (flute), Mark Stewart (guitar), Eugene Friesen (cello), Steve Gadd (drums) and Bakithi Kumalo (bass) Then he went on to explaining the first act of the evening would be his 'Seven Psalms' showcase; he promised 'the greatest hits' would come later. The 'Seven Psalms' acoustic set was performed on a mostly dark stage, the lighting suggesting a campfire. The material, inspired by the Book of Psalms, is nuanced and reflective, with a quiet intensity. The opening track, 'The Lord,' set the mood with lyrics like 'Tribal voices old and young. Celebrations a history of families sung. The endlеss river flows.' It conjured a sense of looking back, tinged with melancholy but also with a sense of eternity. The night came alive in a new way when singer Edie Brickell, Simon's wife, took to the stage for a transcendent 'The Sacred Harp.' The bends and curves of Brickell's voice gently wounds its way around Simon's lyrics, her sweetness giving lovely contrast to Simon's rougher sounds. The couple finished the first act with 'Wait,' whose lyrics — 'I'm not ready. I'm just packing my gear. Wait. My hand's steady. My mind is still clear' — remind you that 'Seven Psalms' is a powerful late-career album by Simon that contemplates bigger mortal themes. Act two began with a spirited 'Graceland,' the title track from Simon's seventh solo studio album released in 1986. 'Slip Slidin' Away' (1977) and 'Train in the Distance'(1983) are among the songs that feel very different in Simon's mature vocals. The lightness on these and others are gone, but a new character colors them. The ayahuasca-inspired 'Spirit Voices' (Simon joked about the song's source in one of his sparse addresses to the audience) was another smooth, joyful highlight of the second act. So was the concluding 'Me and Julio Down by the Schoolyard' from his 1972 self-titled album, which has become such a shorthand for a certain kind of cool in pop culture (especially after its use by Wes Anderson in his 2001 film 'The Royal Tenenbaums') that it got a roar from the crowd. For his encores, Simon was joined by his band to sing 'Father and Daughter,' from the soundtrack to 2002 animated film 'The Wild Thornberries,' followed by '50 Ways to Leave Your Lover' (1975) and the Simon & Garfunkel hit 'The Boxer'(1970). Then, on stage by himself, he performed 'The Sound of Silence,' a fittingly gentle way to bid us goodnight.
Time of India
24-04-2025
- General
- Time of India
How to make the best Crusader Build in The Elder Scrolls Oblivion Remastered
Image via Bethesda. After Bethesda shadowsropped The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion Remastered out of nowhere, everyone started wondering how to with the different classes in the game. That is why we have come up with this guide to help you with the best Crusader build in the game. Among all the 21 available classes scattered among three different categories, Crusader falls in the Combat class. With effective attributes like Strength and Willpower, this class is pure brute force. However, it might be tricky to master this class as it needs sheer resilience and proper choice of attributes and skills. That's where this guide comes in. The Elder Scrolls Oblivion Remastered: Best Crusader Build Oblivion Remastered - Part 1 Gamepaly Walkthrough! by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Villas For Sale in Dubai Might Surprise You Villas In Dubai | Search Ads View Deals Undo Heavy Armor, Blades, and Restoration combine to provide a potent set of Major Skills that are perfect for fighting, fending off the majority of enemy strikes, and reviving health in the event that an attack turns out to be more powerful than anticipated. We have already learnt how the Mage class is all about magical spells . But the Crusader is a balance between combat powerhouse and spells. Those who want to take the battles in Oblivion in their bare hands, must choose the Crusader as their preferred class. Now let's take a look at the best builds for a Crusader: Best Race for a Crusader As previously mentioned, striking a balance between proper attacking aspects and magical aspects is necessary in building a perfect Crusader. Hence, races like Nord , Breto n or Imperial will be your perfect choice. Best Birthsign for a Crusader As a Crusader is a combat-focused class, opting for The Lord birthsign would be a wise choice for you. Not only it boosts the Strength attribute, but also heals yourself fully once a day. Along with it, it increases the Restoration spell as well. Best Attributes for a Crusader Strength: This has to be your go-to attribute if you want to master Crusader as this increases the damage dealt by melee attacks with swords, maces or even bare hands. Not only that, this attribute makes you strong enough to wear heavy armor without being slowed down. Willpower: Along with Strength, you will need Willpower to harness the power of magic. That means, with this attribute, you will be able to cast powerful spells. This attribute will also help you in defense as it will block opponent spells as well. Best Skills for a Crusader Blade: This skill allows you effective and faster melee attacks with a sword. Blunt: If you want some heavy blow, instead of Blade, you can look into this. With this skill, you will be able to deal crushing attacks with maces and hammers. It also blocks opposing attacks as this skill is all about raw force. Heavy Armor: A Crusader is the Tank of the team, so he ought to have Heavy Armors in the battlefield. And you already have the Strength attribute, you are not going to slow down that much wearing those. Restoration: As a Tank, you are certain to face the heavier share of incoming damages from your opponents. So, make sure to add this skill into your inventory, as it will not only heal yourself but your teammates as well. Even higher Restoration skills unlock higher level healing spells. Best Spells for a Crusader Restore Fatigue: Crusaders are made for long-standing duels, and for that you need to keep your stamina up to the mark. This spell will do that for you. Fireball: This spell is a great way for you to start the battle. As it's very cost-effective and huge damage dealing, this is a reliable option. Shield: As previously mentioned, you are going to get the maximum amount of attacks from the enemies. That is why you need this spell to add a temporary armor rating, to save your actual armor. Weakness to Fire: This spell boosts damages dealt by weapon enchantment and elemental strikes. Read More: How to make and play the Best Battlemage Build in Elder Scrolls Oblivion Remastered
The Independent
19-03-2025
- The Independent
Where to wine, dine and hike along Britain's original national trail
From pilgrims to hikers, thousands have traversed Britain's countryside paths over the centuries - but only in 1965, was the first official national trail inaugurated. The idea was first proposed by journalist Tom Stephenson who said a "long green trail" which could form "the backbone of England", in an article in the Daily Herald. It took 30 years of battling with landowners for his dream to become a reality. The Pennine Way is a 268-mile (431 km) trail stretching from Edale in Derbyshire to Kirk Yetholm in the Scottish Borders, whose path winds through three national parks: the Peak District, Yorkshire Dales, and Northumberland. The trail - inspired by America's Appalachian Trail - crosses forests, moorlands, and ancient Roman remnants along Hadrian's Wall, with a total ascent exceeding the height of Mount Everest. Beyond its recreational significance, it marked a watershed moment in Britain's access rights movement, opening up wild areas to all citizens and paving the way for more national trails. In honour of this April's 60th anniversary, hundreds of travellers are expected to visit the north of England – either to hike part of the iconic path or simply enjoy the natural surroundings. These are some of the best ways to commemorate one of the world's most important rambling routes. Hike a scenic section Rather than tackle the full thing, sample a stand-out section on a new four-night guided walking holiday. From a base in Appleby-in-Westmorland at one of the trailheads, venture out each day to explore an area lying between the Pennines and the Lake District Fells. Follow a disused railway line passing over grand viaducts, admire the deep glacial gorge of High Cup Nick, and marvel at the stone structures of Nine Standards Rigg. Stroll along the River Eden, explore market town Appleby and visit Rutter Mill, an historic water-powered corn mill and waterfall. How: The four-night Enchanting Eden Valley tour starts from £649 per person, including half-board accommodation and guide. Departs July 7, August 18 and September 15, 2025. Visit Inns served as a literal lifeline for medieval travellers passing through Northumberland. Many provided shelter for pilgrims moving between the treacherous border region between England and Scotland. One of the oldest buildings still standing is in the honey-bricked village of Blanchland, overlooking the moorlands. Dating back to the 12th century, The Lord Crewe Arms has since been remodelled as one of the region's top culinary boutique hotels with a choice of dining rooms and cosy nooks for sipping locally brewed pints. As part of a new monthly Taste of the North East series, guest chefs from the region will treat 16 diners to a menu of seasonal delights, with 75 per cent of all profits donated to charity. On April 28, Damian Broom, executive chef at Seaham Hall, will be helming the kitchen. How: Tickets from £75 per person, including a welcome glass of sparkling wine and coffee. Wine pairings extra. Doubles at the Lord Crewe Arms from £160 per night, including breakfast. Visit Enjoy the route on four wheels Not everyone has the stamina to hike – but that doesn't mean missing out on the scenery. 'While the 268-mile stretch is primarily a walking route, road trippers can choose to take the easterly A1 passing through Leeds, Durham and Newcastle upon Tyne, or the westerly M6 through Manchester and the Lake District,' recommends Max Schmidt, head of CamperDays. 'Picking up a four-person roadsurfer Surfer Suite from Manchester over dates 26 April – 3 May will cost £723 total, while a four-person Bunk Campers Mystery 2 from London will cost £565. For something a little more luxurious, picking up the four-person McRent Comfort Luxury from Manchester over the same dates would cost £1,055 total.' How: Visit Some of the biggest beneficiaries of protected areas are undoubtedly the wild species that inhabit them. Thanks to conservation efforts, Britain's wildlife manages to thrive in national parks. The reservoirs and woodlands of the Pennine Way are home to multiple bird species and Britain's only mountain hare. Focusing on the Peak District, wildlife specialist Naturetrek offers a dedicated birding day trip led by naturalist Matthew Capper, with a chance to see moorland birds like the ring ouzel, curlew, whinchat and wheatear. Visit a blanket bog to see important populations of golden plover and dunlin, and head to woodlands for pied flycatcher and redstart. How: Dark Peak day trips from £60pp. May departures are currently full but get in touch for future dates. Visit A strenuous hike deserves a decent liquid reward. Along with fine food and beers, world-class gins are produced in this part of the world – providing an opportunity to sample nature's delights in a different way. Part of Northumberland National Park's Hepple Estate, which has moved away from sheep, commodity timber and traditional game shooting towards rewilding, the Hepple Gin Distillery is set within one of Britain's most biodiverse landscapes. Learn about conservation efforts and sustainable techniques used to harvest botanicals including hawthorn, Douglas fir, lovage, bog myrtle and blackcurrant leaves. A private tour can be arranged for guests staying at the historic Kirkstyle Inn in Slaggyford, an ideal base for walkers on the trail.
