Eric Dockett
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Articles by Eric Dockett
Ozzy Osbourne: Legacy of a Madman
A look at the career and music of the most important man in metal history. Eric Dockett · Follow Published in The Riff · 11 min read · -- Morten Skovgaard, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons On October 19th, 2024, Ozzy Osbourne finally took his rightful place as a solo artist in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Zakk Wylde, Wolfgang Van Halen (son of Edward), and Tool’s Maynard James Keenan, among others, paid their respects by performing three of his classic songs.
Pleistocene Rewilding: Restoring a Lost World in North America
Pleistocene rewilding aims to reclaim the natural world and restore it to how humans found it over 10,000 years ago. Is this a good idea? Eric Dockett · Follow 9 min read · -- Photo by April Pethybridge on Unsplash Pleistocene rewilding is as intriguing as it is controversial. At its heart, it is an ecological movement with good intentions. In practice, it may be unrealistic and even dangerous. Few people would argue that working to improve the environment is bad.
Are You a Guitar Snob?
Maybe gear isn’t as important as you think. Eric Dockett · Follow Published in Guitar Gopher · 5 min read · -- Photo by Tyler Clemmensen on Unsplash If you play guitar, you’ve probably noticed that some players are way more impressive than you are. No, I’m not talking about skill, tone, or even songwriting ability. I’m talking about their gear. Surely you’ve run across some of these folks.
When Eddie Van Halen Changed the World
A look back at Van Halen’s debut album and Eddie’s impact on rock. Eric Dockett · Follow Published in Guitar Gopher · 9 min read · -- Abby Gillardi, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons Van Halen’s self-titled debut album hit the streets in February 1978, and rock music would never be the same. Released into a climate dominated by disco, punk, and touchy-feely singer/songwriters, Van Halen brought the band’s flamboyant Sunset Strip sound and attitude to a rock world begging for something new.
Are Expensive Guitars Really Worth It?
Are Expensive Guitars Really Worth It? There are some really expensive guitars out there. Obviously, many guitarists think they are worth the money, or these instruments wouldn’t exist. But as a young player or typical working-class musician, it can be hard to fathom how you’d ever swing the cash for such a guitar. So, you get to thinking that budget-model guitars are going to have to be good enough for you.
How to Lead a Rock Band as a Guitarist
How to Lead a Rock Band as a Guitarist Playing in a rock band is fun and rewarding. You get together a few times a week, learn a bunch of songs and play a few gigs. If you do it right, you might even make some money. But one day, out of nowhere, a chilling thought may occur to you: If I don’t tell the rest of these people what to do, they will just sit here staring at each other. Or, they’ll mess around the whole time. Some of them might not show up at all.
Should You Play Bass With a Pick or Your Fingers?
Should You Play Bass With a Pick or Your Fingers? Despite what you may have heard, there is nothing wrong with playing bass with a pick. In fact, depending on your goals and skill level, it might be the better choice. There are advantages to playing bass with a pick that you won’t find when using your fingers. However, there are also good reasons many players choose to use the tools with which they were born. In this post, you’ll learn about the pros and cons of each approach.
How to Handle Criticism as a Musician
Don’t let the haters bring you down! When you play an instrument in front of other people you open yourself up for dissection, criticism and, sometimes, some pretty harsh comments. It goes with the territory, and if you want to make it as a creative person, in any field, you need to learn how to brush off the haters and continue on with your vision. It’s not easy. Many young musicians even experience stage fright, worried that people are going to judge them or laugh at them for their playing.
10 Reasons You’re Never Too Old to Learn to Play Guitar
The right time to learn to play guitar is now! If you want to learn to play the guitar, you are never too old to make it happen. In fact, as an older guitar student, you’ll have some advantages that you wouldn’t have enjoyed as a kid. I started playing guitar when I was twelve years old. It was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made, and I’ve never regretted it. Over the years, I’ve known many adults who told me they’ve wanted to learn, and I’ve always done my best to encourage them.
Why the Bass Guitar Is Underrated
Why the Bass Guitar Is Underrated Bassists are just failed guitar players who simply don’t have what it takes to succeed. And everyone knows bass is much easier, anyway, since it only has four strings. The best thing is, as a bass guitarist, you still get to be in a band without trying very hard, and without having to spend a lot of time practicing. If you are a bassist who cares about your craft, these are fighting words.
The 13 Most Influential Guitar Players of All Time
The 13 Most Influential Guitar Players of All Time There have been many brilliant guitarists throughout the history of rock music. A quick internet search will lead you to multiple lists touting the best of the best and ranking them. These lists stir up a lot of controversies, and I doubt there has ever been a guitar player or music fan who completely agreed with any of them.
Do You Really Need a Teacher to Learn Guitar?
Do You Really Need a Teacher to Learn Guitar? Do You Need a Guitar Teacher? A good guitar teacher can put you on the right track, and you’ll learn the instrument much faster than you would have on your own. On the other hand, a bad guitar teacher might drive you to quit. Besides, many guitar players, including some pretty famous ones, are self-taught. So why bother taking lessons to learn guitar when you can become a rock star all on your own? I started playing the guitar when I was twelve.
That Time Aliens Tried to Contact the Earth
It really happened, maybe. The Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence (SETI) is the name for the collective work underway by researchers and scientists worldwide who scour the galaxy for signs of alien life. Using state-of-the-art telescopes and listening devices, they observe the sky in search of anything that might give us a hint that there is somebody else out there. For decades, SETI researchers have looked, listened, and hoped, waiting for that big breakthrough.
The Crippling Fear of Imminent Death and Other Wastes of Time
By Eric Dockett How I've learned to manage my irrational fear of dying with the words of an ancient philosopher king. Photo by Ahmed Adly on Unsplash Death is the one thing we all have in common. One hundred years from today, almost every living soul on this planet will be gone.
Silver Dollar Fish Care, Tank Mates, and Overview
The silver dollar (Metynnis argenteus) is native to South America and a very popular fish in the aquarium trade. Its round shape and shiny scales make it obvious how it earned its common name, but there are a few things about this fish that aren’t so obvious. This is one of those fish that isn’t appropriate for most home aquariums. It is a close relative of the piranha, but that’s not the problem.
Silver Dollar Fish Care, Tank Mates, and Overview
The silver dollar (Metynnis argenteus) is native to South America and a very popular fish in the aquarium trade. Its round shape and shiny scales make it obvious how it earned its common name, but there are a few things about this fish that aren’t so obvious. This is one of those fish that isn’t appropriate for most home aquariums. It is a close relative of the piranha, but that’s not the problem.
Dwarf Gourami Care Guide and Best Tank Mates
The dwarf gourami (Trichogaster lalius) is a popular freshwater fish bred for beautiful color variants such as powder blue, red flame, and neon blue. It is among the smaller gouramis you can find in the aquarium trade. That’s all good news if you have a small tank and want a pretty gourami, but there are a few things you need to know before you stock this fish. My top piece of advice, as always, is to do the research before you bring a new fish home.
The 3 Best Ways to Learn Guitar or Bass
Learning to play the guitar is both rewarding and challenging. There are many approaches here, and no one-size-fits-all answer. You may need to experiment with several learning styles until you find what is best for you. This article can help you figure it all out. I’ll go over three of the most popular methods and cover the pros and cons of each. Before I get into the best ways to learn guitar, I’m going to pass on the two most important things I ever learned as a guitarist.
15 Best Clown Loach Tank Mates
The clown loach (Chromobotia macracanthus) is a popular but often misunderstood freshwater aquarium fish from Indonesia. It is sold as small juveniles in pet stores around the world, but it is not a fish for beginners. This is one of those fish that most aquarium owners should give a pass. Unfortunately, countless clown loaches end up in the tanks of new fishkeepers who have no idea what they are in for.
15 Best Clown Loach Tank Mates
The clown loach (Chromobotia macracanthus) is a popular but often misunderstood freshwater aquarium fish from Indonesia. It is sold as small juveniles in pet stores around the world, but it is not a fish for beginners. This is one of those fish that most aquarium owners should give a pass. Unfortunately, countless clown loaches end up in the tanks of new fishkeepers who have no idea what they are in for.
25 Best Pearl Gourami Tank Mates
The pearl gourami (Trichopodus leerii) is a beautiful fish with a diamond-like sheen to its scales. It grows to around five inches long and is best housed in a tank 30 gallons or larger. Keeping gouramis can be challenging, especially for those new to the aquarium hobby, but the pearl is a relatively peaceful fish that can live with many other fish species. In this article, you will learn about some of the best tank mates for a pearl gourami.
Justin Fields' Pittsburgh Steelers Jersey Number Announced
After weeks of speculation, Pittsburgh Steelers fans finally know what jersey number new quarterback Justin Fields will wear with the black and gold. Fields and 10 more new Steelers players have been assigned their jersey numbers, according to an article by Teresa Varley on the Pittsburgh Steelers website. While some of the numbers are ones we’d expect to see on these veteran players, there are also a few surprises.
Steelers' T.J. Watt Set For Career-Defining Season In 2024
T.J. Watt will enter his eighth season with the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2024. He’s made the Pro Bowl every year but his first, won Defensive Player of the Year in 2021, and has the most sacks of any Steeler in team history. He has solidified his place as one of the best defensive players in today’s NFL, and if Watt were to retire today, he is likely a Hall of Famer. His play in 2024 and onward will determine if he becomes an NFL legend.
3 Key Reasons Mike Tomlin Needs Russell Wilson To Start
Russell Wilson comes to the Pittsburgh Steelers during a rough time for the franchise. The Steelers have a strong team, and some good players, but the quarterback position has been a problem for several seasons. There was enough blame to go around in 2023. Some pundits pointed to now-departed offensive coordinator Matt Canada as the main issue. Others called out quarterbacks Kenny Pickett and Mitchell Trubisky. Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin was not without reproach.
5 Crazy Pittsburgh Steelers Facts And Stories Original
Pittsburgh Steelers lore is packed with some interesting stories. From the Immaculate Reception and the Super Bowl dynasty of the 1970s to the present wild ride of GM Omar Khan’s wheeling and dealing during the 2024 offseason, being a Steelers fan is rarely boring. When it comes to football history, Steeler Nation knows its stuff. But, a few odd twists and tales might surprise even the most die-hard Steelers fans. 5 Interesting Tales About the Pittsburgh Steelers 1.
4 Key Roster Issues The Pittsburgh Steelers Must Address
So far, the Pittsburgh Steelers have made some bold moves at the start of the 2024 NFL year. To the optimistic Steelers fan, it appears that the team has handled some of the most frustrating problems of 2023. Russell Wilson (at a bargain price) and Justin Fields are significant upgrades to the quarterback position from a year ago. Bringing in former Raven Patrick Queen bolsters a middle linebacker group destroyed by injury in 2023.
5 Best Philadelphia Eagles Quarterbacks Of All Time Original
Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts is off to a strong start so far in career. He’s made two Pro Bowls, taken the team to the playoffs three seasons straight, and won an NFC Championship. He currently ranks sixth in career passing yards for the franchise, and 15th in career rushing yards. Hurts should get the chance to climb up on those lists by quite a few spots before he’s done. In 2023, he inked a lucrative contract extension that will keep him in Philly until 2028.
Pittsburgh Steelers Franchise Quarterback Fails Original
The Pittsburgh Steelers drafted Kenny Pickett in 2022 hoping he would be their franchise quarterback for the next decade. Of course, that didn’t quite work out. Pickett is now in Philadelphia, and the Steelers are back to square one. Going into 2024, the hopes and dreams of Steeler Nation are pinned on two new quarterbacks: Russell Wilson, a veteran at the tail end of his career, and Justin Fields, a young quarterback who seems to have some of the same issues as Pickett.
5 Greatest Pittsburgh Steelers Linebackers Of All Time Original
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt has put together an impressive career so far. He has made the Pro Bowl six times in seven seasons, and the All-Pro team four times. He tied the record for most sacks in a season in 2021 and was named Defensive Player of the Year. In 2023, he passed James Harrison for the most sacks in Steelers history. Watt has 96.5 career sacks thus far.
3 Dynamic Ways Pittsburgh Steelers Can Use QB Justin Fields Original
The Pittsburgh Steelers barely allowed the football world time to mentally process their signing of Russell Wilson before pulling off another shocker and making a trade for Bears quarterback Justin Fields. In what seemed like the blink of an eye, last year’s revolving trio of starters—Kenny Pickett, Mitchell Trubisky, and Mason Rudolph—were all out the door. As of this writing, the only quarterbacks on the Pittsburgh Steelers’ roster are Wilson and Fields, two players with very different resumes.
5 Best Pittsburgh Steelers Quarterbacks Of All Time
When the Pittsburgh Steelers chose quarterback Kenny Pickett in the first round of the 2022 NFL draft, there was cause for celebration among Steelers fans. Pickett played his college ball at Pitt. The Steelers coaching staff knew him and liked him, and he looked pretty darned good on film. While not everyone was convinced, throughout Steeler Nation there was an air of cautious optimism.
Why The Pittsburgh Steelers Won’t Issue Justin Fields No. 1
New Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Justin Fields wore jersey No. 1 during his three seasons with the Chicago Bears. He wore No. 1 in college during his time at Ohio State. But it isn’t likely you’ll see him issued No. 1 as a Steeler. Two more big acquisitions, quarterback Russell Wilson and linebacker Patrick Queen, have already been issued their No. 3 and No. 6 jerseys according to the official Pittsburgh Steelers roster.
5 Best Pittsburgh Steelers Wide Receivers Of All Time
The Pittsburgh Steelers have fielded few wide receivers with the game-breaking talent of George Pickens. He’s a legit playmaker, and an elite wide receiver in today’s NFL. Still, after two seasons, Pickens has only caught 115 passes, ranking him number 35 on the Pittsburgh Steelers career receptions list. This isn’t because of his skills as much as it is the Steelers’ inability to get it together offensively over the past few years.
5 Greatest Pittsburgh Steelers Running Backs Of All Time
The Pittsburgh Steelers are a team known for running the football with authority. At least they used to be. For several seasons, the team has struggled to get it together offensively. The running game that has been a hallmark of Steelers football for decades was nowhere to be found. The Steelers rushing attack finally reemerged as the 2023 season ended, with backs Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren carrying the team into the playoffs.
Oscar Fish Care Guide and Tank Mates
The oscar (Astronotus ocellatus) is a fish known for its beauty, personality, and voracious appetite. It is common in the aquarium trade, but not like most other fish you’ll encounter. Caring for an oscar isn’t especially hard, though it does require a more serious commitment than a typical community fish. If you are thinking about bringing one home, you first need to consider whether you are up for the unique challenges presented by this incredible fish.
Pittsburgh Steelers May Regret Diontae Johnson Trade
Diontae Johnson trade rumors came into reality on Tuesday when the Pittsburgh Steelers sent the former Pro Bowler and a seventh-round draft pick to the Carolina Panthers. In exchange, Pittsburgh gets cornerback Donte Jackson and a sixth-round pick from Carolina. At first glance, this looks like a win for both teams, but that depends on what the Steelers do from here.
5 Common Types of Gourami for Freshwater Aquariums
Gourami are a group of fish that come from southeast Asia, and many are very popular in the aquarium trade. They are beautiful but complex, and their behaviors can confound beginner and experienced aquarium owners alike. In this article, you will learn about five of the most common types of gourami. Hopefully, the information here will help you make the best decision for your tank, and result in a less confounding experience for you and your fish.
Bala Shark Care Guide, Tank Mates, and Profile
The bala shark is one of the most stunning freshwater aquarium fish out there, with its gleaming silver scales and sharp black fins. They are sold in pet stores as tiny three-inch juveniles, very tempting for those who are new to the aquarium hobby. Unfortunately, many soon discover there is more to this fish than they realized. While bala sharks are wonderful if kept in the right circumstances, they aren’t suitable for most home aquariums. Bala sharks aren’t sharks, as I bet you’ve already guessed.
Bala Shark Care Guide, Tank Mates, and Profile
The bala shark is one of the most stunning freshwater aquarium fish out there, with its gleaming silver scales and sharp black fins. They are sold in pet stores as tiny three-inch juveniles, very tempting for those who are new to the aquarium hobby. Unfortunately, many soon discover there is more to this fish than they realized. While bala sharks are wonderful if kept in the right circumstances, they aren’t suitable for most home aquariums. Bala sharks aren’t sharks, as I bet you’ve already guessed.
Top 5 Peaceful New World Cichlids
Some new-world cichlids are peaceful. They can thrive in large, community tanks that mimic their natural homes in South America, and tolerate a range of tankmates without issues. Others are highly aggressive and territorial. They do better in single-specimen setups or huge tanks managed by experienced fish keepers. It is important to know the difference.
Top 6 Freshwater Fish for Hard Water Aquariums
If you are an aquarium owner facing the challenge of hard water, you can make your life easier by choosing the right inhabitants for your tank. Wild fish have evolved to thrive in specific water conditions. For example, tetras and new-world cichlids that come from the Amazon River region in South America will do best in softer water, whereas cichlids from the rift lakes of Africa are better suited for hardwater tanks.
Can Betta Fish Breathe Air? Anabantids Explained
Why Does My Betta Come Up for Air? If you think you’ve spotted your betta coming to the surface to breathe air, you aren’t imagining things. Fish need oxygen just like any other animal. Their gills allow them to “breathe” dissolved oxygen in the water. Betta fish get most of the oxygen they need in this way, but they are also capable of taking in air at the water surface when they need to. This is an evolutionary adaptation that helps them survive poor conditions in the wild.
Can Betta Fish Breathe Air? Anabantids Explained
Why Does My Betta Come Up for Air? If you think you’ve spotted your betta coming to the surface to breathe air, you aren’t imagining things. Fish need oxygen just like any other animal. Their gills allow them to “breathe” dissolved oxygen in the water. Betta fish get most of the oxygen they need in this way, but they are also capable of taking in air at the water surface when they need to. This is an evolutionary adaptation that helps them survive poor conditions in the wild.
Are Ibanez Guitars Good? An Overview of a Rock Icon
Are Ibanez Guitars Good Quality? Ibanez makes guitars that are well-built, easy to play, and accessible to every level of guitarist. While this is a brand that has made its mark in metal and hard rock, there are models for almost every genre. My first real guitar was an Ibanez. That guitar set me up for some pretty hefty expectations as I progressed as a musician.
Are Ibanez Guitars Good? An Overview of a Rock Icon
Are Ibanez Guitars Good Quality? Ibanez makes guitars that are well-built, easy to play, and accessible to every level of guitarist. While this is a brand that has made its mark in metal and hard rock, there are models for almost every genre. My first real guitar was an Ibanez. That guitar set me up for some pretty hefty expectations as I progressed as a musician.
How Much Gravel for a 10-Gallon Fish Tank?
How Much Gravel Do You Need in a 10-Gallon Aquarium? A 10-gallon aquarium requires 10–15 pounds of gravel. As a general rule, for most standard-size aquariums, you will aim for 1–1.5 pounds of gravel per gallon. That means: A 20-gallon fish tank needs 20-30 pounds of gravel. A 29-gallon tank requires 29–43.5 pounds of gravel. A 55-gallon tank needs 55–82.5 pounds of gravel. One pound per gallon will be about one inch deep in a standard-size aquarium.
How Much Gravel for a 10-Gallon Fish Tank?
How Much Gravel Do You Need in a 10-Gallon Aquarium? A 10-gallon aquarium requires 10-15 pounds of gravel. As a general rule, for most standard-size aquariums you will aim for 1-1.5 pounds of gravel per gallon. That means: A 20-gallon fish tank needs 20-30 pounds of gravel. A 29-gallon tank requires 29-43.5 pounds of gravel. A 55-gallon tank needs 55-82.5 pounds of gravel. One pound per gallon will be about one inch deep in a standard-size aquarium.
New Aquarium Checklist for Beginnners
How to Prepare a New Aquarium Most people can imagine a beautiful freshwater aquarium stocked with colorful fish, but far fewer understand the work needed to make it happen. If your goal is to have such a tank in your home, it is smart to take a step back and make sure you are well-organized before you begin. It is easy to get excited and skip a few important tasks, only to realize too late that you’ve made your life—and the lives of your fish—much tougher.
New Aquarium Checklist for Beginnners
How to Prepare a New Aquarium Most people can imagine a beautiful freshwater aquarium stocked with colorful fish, but far fewer understand the work needed to make it happen. If your goal is to have such a tank in your home, it is smart to take a step back and make sure you are well-organized before you begin. It is easy to get excited and skip a few important tasks, only to realize too late that you’ve made your life—and the lives of your fish—much tougher.
20 Best Tiger Barb Tank Mates
Tiger barbs are pretty fish with a bad reputation. Most experienced aquarium owners know about their tendency for aggression, especially fin-nipping. Unfortunately, beginning aquarists might stumble on these fish and take a liking to them, only to find they are the terrors of the tank. The right tank mates can help give your tiger barbs the best shot at getting along in your aquarium. So, what does that mean?
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