What Have You Done For Me Lately (#BOTB)

   Crap!  My computer decided to do another upgrade or something and is taking a long time to work again.  Long story condensed, I'm borrowing my wife's laptop.  This post will be simpler than usual...

Battle of the Bands

        Battle of the Bands is the blogging event started by Far Away Series and now hosted by StMcC Presents Battle of the Bands.   This event happens each month on the 15th and on some there is also a Battle on the 1st of the month.  My blog is one of those with a second Battle excepting over these summer months.   The premise is simple:  Listen to the songs presented below and then in the comments vote for your favorite and tell us why you liked it.  Then visit the links listed near the bottom of this post for more Battle action.

What Have You Done for Me Lately

         It all started when I was reading about a group called Deerhoof.  Or maybe I had seen a video or heard their music somewhere.  Anyway, I read where they'd recorded a version of the song made famous by Janet Jackson.  So looking for it on YouTube I didn't find it, but I found other versions of the song and figured, why not?  There's another Battle for me.

         I don't know anything about these artists and I'm not going to do the research.  I just want to get off this computer.  Here they are.  You decide...

Naytronix (ft tUnE-yArDs) - What Have You Done For Me Lately  (2015)

Lee Being   "What Have You Done for Me Lately"  (?)

Time to Vote!
        
          Okay, so I know this might not be your cuppa Joe, but maybe you can suck it up and play along.  Please?   Which version do you prefer?   Hopefully you have an opinion of some kind.  You don't have to know about music to have an opinion since it all comes down to your own personal taste.

        Please vote on your favorite by letting us know your choice in the comment section and tell us why you prefer the version you chose. Then after you've finished here, please visit the other blogs listed below who may or may not be participating this time around. And if you've put up your own BOTB contest let us know that as well so we can vote on yours.


Here are some other places where you might find BOTB posts:

 StMcC Presents Battle of the Bands

 ‘Storms and Stardust’ 

  'MIKE'S RAMBLINGS'

'Curious as a Cathy'

Sound of One Hand Typing

The Doglady's Den 

Angel's Bark  

Jingle, Jangle, Jungle 

Cherdo on the Flipside 

A I Love Music


Winner of this Battle Announced on Monday November 23

In the Still of the Night (#BOTB)

Forget about a Liberal Arts education if you really want to be useful in this world.  Learn a trade or something in the medical profession.  A solid knowledge of computers is valuable.  I wish I'd known all this way back when...

Fall colors in Tennessee trees (photo by Arlee Bird)

           The last time I posted on this site I mentioned that my computer had died and I was looking for a new one.   I'm still going to be looking, but--wonder of wonders--my Lenovo desktop that I've had for the past seven years decided to return to the world of the living (and the blogging).  Not sure what happened, but I guess I've been granted a reprieve for the time being.

         Maybe there's something symbolic or metaphorical here, but I'll just settle for stuff happening in the mysterious (to me) world of computers.  I still want another computer though.  For now there's no hurry.  Instead, in this lull of computer concerns, I'll have another Battle of the Bands.  What better way to pass time in this still of the night...

Battle of the Bands

Battle of the Bands is the blogging event started by Far Away Series and now hosted by StMcC Presents Battle of the Bands.   This event happens each month on the 15th and on some blogs there is also a Battle on the 1st of the month.  My blog is one of those with a second Battle on the 1st of the month.   The premise is simple:  Listen to the songs presented below and then in the comments vote for your favorite and tell us why you liked it.  Then visit the links listed near the bottom of this post for more Battle action.

In the Still of the Night


          In the Still of the Night was written by Cole Porter for the 1937 film Rosalie.  Originally sung in the film by Nelson Eddy, the song has been recorded by many artists since.


Tommy Dorsey Orchestra   "In the Still of the Night"  (1937)

          Here's one of those BOTB candidates that might be a tough one to beat.  I know there are more than a few big band fans out there.  I dedicate this Battle to you.   This recording first hit the pop charts on October 16, 1937--82 years ago!  The recording eventually peaked at number 3 on the hit charts.  Is it a hit with you?





Aaron Neville and the Neville Brothers "In the Still of the Night"  (1990)

         When I first heard this version it was on an ABC television special that coincided with the album release of  Red Hot + Blue, which was to raise awareness and benefit AIDS.  The songs on the album were versions of Cole Porter tunes done by several popular artists.  The Neville Brothers blew me away with their version.  I thought Aaron Neville had the voice of an angel.  Still sounds good to me.  How about you? 







Time to Vote!

        Okay, don't just sit there being still.  Get busy and vote!  Which version do you like best?   Pick one and have some fun!  You don't have to know about music to have an opinion since it all comes down to your own personal taste.

         Please vote on your favorite by letting us know your choice in the comment section and tell us why you prefer the version you chose. Then after you've finished here, please visit the other blogs listed below who may or may not be participating this time around. And if you've put up your own BOTB contest let us know that as well so we can vote on yours.




Here are some other places where you might find BOTB posts:

 StMcC Presents Battle of the Bands

  'MIKE'S RAMBLINGS'

'Curious as a Cathy'

Sound of One Hand Typing

Angel's Bark  

Debbie Doglady's Den

Jingle, Jangle, Jungle 

Cherdo on the Flipside





Winner of this Battle Announced on Monday October 21st

         In the meantime I'm going to be enjoying some visiting family in the upcoming week, but I'll try my best to make it for my results post.  That is, computer willing.  I'll still be a bit on edge with this computer thing.  But that's okay.  Things always seem to work out somehow.

           Do you think a college education is a necessity in today's world?   If you were (are) considering going (back) to college, what would you likely major in?  Has fall weather come to your town yet?

Crazy Love Affair (#BOTB Results)

        Love can make you feel crazy and love can make you feel cozy, but love doesn't pay the rent.  If you think it does, then that ain't love.   ---someone somewhere sometime must have said this or something like it. If they didn't then I just said it.

 Old computers (including a Xerox Star). (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

My Crazy Love Affair

          I've got this crazy love affair going on that seems to have hopelessly taken hold of me.  Many years ago I said--with complete sincerity--that I didn't need no stinkin' computer.  Then I started messing with someone else's computer and discovered Google and Amazon and stuff like that and before I knew it I was hooked.  Not long after that I became a computer junkie.

         Computers are so darn helpful.  They're also a huge diversion and time suck.  Now I don't know that I'd ever want to be without computer access. This is why I started getting frantic a few weeks ago when my internet started becoming very inconsistent.

          Seems like every year shortly before the Blogging from A to Z April Challenge I start encountering strange computer problems.  Probably I just notice more at this time when abnormal computer things start happening, but some years the slow downs and disruptions have been serious issues for me during April.

           So when my internet connection totally shut down on me one day I contacted my provider to see what the heck was happening.  They said they were upgrading the lines in my area and had no idea when the job would be finished.  Up until last summer I'd been getting service from Verizon and then suddenly for reasons of which I am not aware, my provider become Frontier.  Okay, no big deal if I've still got service, but last November I began noticing that my connection was no longer reliable.  I was becoming annoyed with this new provider.  And as the months went by, the service got worse until that day of the shut down.

          The tech guy at Frontier said that it could be a while before the upgrades in our area were completed and he had no idea when things would get better.  He did, however, offer to connect me with a sales rep who might have some other service to offer me.  I accepted--after all, it couldn't hurt to listen and I wasn't doing anything else.

          The rep said that they could install a different kind of service through another cable other than my phone line and that service would be far faster and more dependable.  After I inquired as to how much additional I'd be paying, he checked my current plan and told me that the new faster plan would be about $25 less.  Sounded like a deal to me so I said to proceed.

          The technician came today and set me up with the new service.   I've only been working with the new set up for half a day now, but if this is how it's going to be then you can count me as a happy camper.  If everything continues as it's been going today then I'll be rocking and rolling this April.  And if the price and service stays like it is now I'm going to be so crazy in love with Frontier.

         And by the way, if you haven't been doing so already, be sure to be checking the A to Z Challenge Blog for updates and tips about the upcoming April Challenge.  Things are being done differently this year and that's where you can get your Challenge info as well as helpful pointers to make the Challenge--and blogging in general--a bit more rewarding.

Battle of the Bands

        In my most recent round of Battle, I pitted two versions of Paul Anka's 1958 hit "Crazy Love" as done by the Serbian artist Miki Jevremović and the Cuban singers Dúo Los Diablos.   I liked both of these a great deal.   Miki's version was certainly the most commercial sounding and closest to Anka's original recording.  The Dúo gave a darker jazzier bluesy turn to the song and that is the version that I gave my vote to.  My vote was enough to break a tie and push the Cuban duet over the top for the win.  And before doing the tally I was sure that Miki had won.  What a race that was!

Final Vote Tally

Miki Jevremović      12

Dúo Los Diablos      13

Next Battle on Wednesday March 15th

       I'm planning a post or two before that next Battle.  I may not get directly political, but I might be a bit controversial nevertheless.  After all, Tossing It Out is my business on this blog.  My next Battle is one that came to me recently and mid-March seemed to be a good time to do it.  With the April Challenge quickly approaching, the pairing I've planned seemed to be something on the minds of many.  The next Battle will consist of two different songs by two well-known groups.  The songs involve a related theme--it's something we all deal with on a daily basis.   Maybe that gives you some hints so you're free to guess the songs or the theme.  You've got some time to think about it.

       Are you planning to participate in this year's A to Z Challenge?   How's your internet service?  Have you become somewhat dependent on computers and internet? 


        

Related articles

• Verizon to buy Yahoo at reduced price
• Is Alphabet Making the Right Move in Broadband? (or, Why Did Google Fire Broadband Team?)
• Why Social Media Matters for Online Students

The End Is Just Another Beginning (BotB Result)

"When the Children have Gone to Bed." From A Home (26 watercolours) (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

 
     My vacation is over.   That fun is done, but now it's time for a new round of fun stuff.  Mail is piled up--both from the post office and my email box.  There's so much to do that I guess I'll keep my vacation posting schedule on my blogs for a while.   Gotta catch up.

       Catching up is nothing new for me.   It seems like I've been trying to catch up for years--maybe decades.   When one thing seems to be about wrapped up, ten new things seem to take its place.  I guess that's life.  Don't want to grow stagnant do we?

         For now stagnancy doesn't seem to be an option for me.  My plates are full and there's plenty left on the buffet.  I'm home--home sweet home--with my own bed, my pillows, my bathroom, and my internet service.  Maybe that last one isn't so hot.

         One of the first things on my agenda is to get my computer situation in more optimal shape.  While in Tennessee my mother gave me the computer that belonged to my late step-father.  It's a newer machine than what I've got and since she doesn't use a computer it was just sitting there so she let me trade one of my older machines for that one.  Haven't hooked it up here yet, but when I do I think I'll have a much better system.

        Also I was talking to the husband of one of my nieces and discovered he's an IT guy who works in computer security.  I'll be sending him info about my system for him to analyze and he said I could contact him with any problems I ever ran into so he could help me resolve them.  We'll see how all this goes.  Maybe I'll be operating at 2014 standards soon instead of being still stuck in the 90's.

          My vacation journey may be over for now, but my life journey is far from over I hope.  I'll be posting more about my summer travels later.   And if you're really interested you can always visit my memoir blog Wrote By Rote where I've been reflecting on my travels and how they related to my past.

           And now....drum roll...it's time for:

Battle of the Bands results!

     First of all if you missed the two song versions I pitted in my recent Battle you can find them here.  Voting is over but you might be curious to know what we're talking about and you can still voice your opinion about it.

       To recap, I offered up versions of a beautiful jazz tune called "Cristo Redentor".  I was almost swayed to change my vote--the more I listened to the Donald Byrd version, the more I liked it.  Still my original pick by Harvey Mandel remains my favorite.  

        My vote didn't change the winner voters picked.  It was a close contest, but there is a clear winner.

Donald Byrd     9 votes

Harvey Mandel  13 votes

      I hope you'll join me again on Friday August 15th for the next Battle.  I'm going with a theme for the next few Battles:   Boys versus Girls.   It's a Battle of the Sexes done with songs.   First up a classic tune with a jazzy flair.   Be here to see what the song is.

           Do vacations wear you out?   Who do you turn to for computer help?  How often do you upgrade your computer?    Are you operating on a stone age system?

Related articles

• Vacation Time!
• Epic Roadtrip - Tips & Details
• How to Get a Great Night's Sleep When You're Away from Home
• Information Overload? Here Are 10 Ways You - And Your Students - Can Deal With It

#IWSG: Are Our Computers Out to Get Us?

        Here it is again folks!  The time when we commiserate and support one another in our insecurities.  Yes it's Alex J. Cavanaugh's Insecure Writers Support Group day!   For more posts about the insecurities of writers be sure to visit Alex's blog for the Linky list.

         My insecurity this month is computers.  There must be a plot afoot for them to take over.  I've been hearing about problems that many of you have been having and lately I've been having a few of my own.   So now it's time for Ask Arlee--physician heal thyself.

 

    
Those Dreaded Computer Problems

       My first Ask Arlee questions came from Yvonne at Poetry From The Heart, with the first part of my answer to be found in my previous post.   Yvonne said that it had been suggested to her that the culprit that was causing her computer problems was the Google browser Chrome. 

      Here is the reply I sent to Yvonne:

Interesting that you should be having these problems with your PC and Chrome.  I have been having very similar issues.  I have not only spent hours in the past couple of weeks trying to fix them, but this past Monday and Tuesday I was nearly totally down both those days.  I fixed some of my settings and the browser began working just fine.

Likewise, your Chrome problems may be in the settings.  Apparently Chrome automatically has disabled certain functions recently so you probably should go back to check to see what seems to be still on and what is turned off and to turn the latter back on if you think you need them.

Thanks!   Hope you get it straight.   Today my computer is working great so I must have done a few things right.

But Wait!...All Was Not Really Well.

        I had a whole different post made up for today outlining the various steps I took to correct my Chrome settings.  But alas, my fix was only temporary and the problems returned for me.  My suggestions about fixing Chrome were apparently not what Yvonne needed either.

         Even though I have long been very happy with Chrome I went with the advice that several of you gave last week to get rid of Chrome and install Firefox.   The Mozilla browser is not working perfectly, but it is working better than Chrome had been.   Even Internet Explorer seems to be working great.

         This is nuts!  I don't blame Chrome because I still think it's a good product.  We still have it installed on my wife's computer and on my laptop and things work at excellent speeds on those.   It probably comes down to being my fault for not keeping up with certain updates and perhaps loading incompatible programs.  There may also be some simple issues of cleaning the interior of the computer.  I gave my PC a good spray over with compressed air and that helped some, but I suspect some dust on the inside could be still causing certain problems.

        In the meantime, I've been uninstalling old versions of programs and reinstalling the new versions if I think I need them.  It's been time consuming since I don't know much about what I'm doing and have to research each procedure before I undertake it.  

        My tired old computer seems to be getting back in shape and working faster again.   But then again the computer may be deceiving me.   This thing is probably toying with me, waiting to entrance me and eat my brain.  

         I'm pretty sure our computers are out to get us and the computer companies and the government are all behind the plan.  

         " Dave?  What are you doing, Dave?   My mind is going.  I can feel it."

         I am Hal and my computer is in charge.

         Sorry Yvonne.  Let me know if you figure any of your computer problems out.  Now I'm working on my own.

          Do you have control over your computer?   Or does your computer control you?   Any ideas what might be messing with Chrome?    

     

Related articles

• Google Fixes 22 Flaws in Chrome, Slams Silent Add-ons
• 12 Of My Favorite Google Chrome Extensions
• How to Stop Shockwave Flash from Crashing
• GOOGLE CHROME keeps disappearing ( Windows 7 - 64 Bit - Active Domain Computer)