Author: Bill

Do you believe in miracles?

- Bill Leave a comment

chicago cubs triviaWith the Cubs’ pennant race, it becomes prudent for fairweather fans like myself to come out of a dozen years’ hibernation to marvel at what has happened in the 107 years since they last won it all in 1908.  Here is the highlight reel:

1) Both radio and TV were invented
2) The Titanic was built, set sail, sank, and was re discovered
3) The Ottoman Empire, the Austria-Hungary Empire, the Russian Empire, and Persia still existed.
4) Oil was discovered in the Middle East.

5) The start of World War I was still six years in the future.

My only questions, if the prophecy did come true, A)How many people are calling in sick?   and B)Will a newspaper actually print the headline “HELL FREEZES OVER”?

Banned Books Week: 1984

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The last time I checked, the bleak dystopian future was still firmly entrenched as the film fad genre over yesterday’s vampires and zombies. I’m looking at you, Divergent and Hunger Games.

I’m going to go out on a limb and suggest none of these trilogies would be possible without the granddaddy of them all, George Orwell’s 1984. Written in 1948, this piece is required reading for high school seniors for the pop culture references alone, a la Big Brother and thought crime. You won’t be able to find your way out of an Orwellian abyss without it.

Pepper in references to this work and your modern-day conspiracy theory is half-written! Technological and poltical relevance almost 70 years later is some staying power, if not clairvoyance on the part of Orwell, who passed away in 1950.

1984 was banned in the former U.S.S.R., and challenged in 1981 in Florida on the grounds of being “pro-communist”, no doubt by the irony-impaired.

New CDs for September

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Big Daddy Weave — Beautiful Offerings

Big Daddy Weave follows up the success of Love Come to Life, which featured four number one hits, with their highly anticipated new album. Included on the album is the single My Story.
Building 429 — Unashamed

Building 429 returns with a healthy offering of anthemic songs that their fans have come to love. The first single, Impossible, has already made a strong impression on the radio.
Gary Clark Jr. — The Story of Sonny Boy Slim

Gary Clark Jr., who Rolling Stone dubbed ‘The King of the Summer Festivals,’ brings his captivating mix of R&B and blues to the studio with a new album that also puts his dazzling guitar skills on display.
Colton Dixon — Calm Before the Storm

Colton Dixon releases an album full of remixed and acoustic versions of fan favorites from his career including his biggest songs You Are; Never Gone; and More of You.
Lana Del Rey — Honeymoon

The fourth album from Lana Del Rey takes on a more orchestral approach than her previous albums. Fans have already had a taste with the singles Honeymoon and High By the Beach.
Jewel — Picking Up the Pieces

Singer-songwriter Jewel creates the musical bookend to her multiplatinum-selling debut, Pieces of You. The album’s release coincides with the release of her memoir and it also includes an incredible duet with Dolly Parton.
Shinedown — Threat to Survival

Shinedown is back with their fifth studio album, their first new release in three years. The first single, Cut the Cord, has already reached the top of the rock radio chart.
Silversun Pickups — Better Nature

Three years after their last studio album, Neck of the Woods, Silversun Pickups return with their fifth full-length release. Produced by Jacknife Lee, the album includes the tracks Connection; Cradle (Better Nature); and Nightlight.
Various Artists — WOW Hits 2016

Straight from the radio comes this two-disc collection featuring some of the biggest artists and hits in contemporary Christian music. Included are hits from Chris Tomlin, Mandisa, TobyMac, Casting Crowns, and more.
Yo-Yo Ma & Kathryn Stott — Songs from the Arc of Life

Longtime friends, cellist Yo-Yo Ma and pianist Kathryn Stott, create a unique classical music experience with their new recording. It includes pieces they have frequently performed but never recorded, as well as a handful of discoveries.

Windows 10…are you upgrading?

- Bill Leave a comment

If you purchased a copy of Windows 7 or 8, you’ve noticed that icon pestering you to take advantage of a free upgrade to 10 over the course of the next year.    At some point they decided not everyone was using a tablet, and we wanted the Start button back.    Well, July 31st came and went.    What are you going to do?

Don’t rush into things.  Do your research.  Newer is not necessarily better.  Unless, of course, you’re using Windows 8.  Then a Campbell’s soup can and a piece of twine is better…

Put a hold on one of our new instructional books if you’re thinking of taking the plunge.

windows10

windows step by step

windows for dummies

windows10 for dummies

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

teach yourself

windows for seniors

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Since Windows 10 doesn’t include Media Center, you’ll have to tell me all about it!

 

New CD’s for August

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Bon Jovi — Burning Bridges

With millions of albums sold and thousands of successful concerts, Bon Jovi has earned their place among rock royalty. Now the band is back with their ninth studio album, their first new release since 2013’s What About Now.

 

 

 

Luke Bryan — Kill the Lights

KILL THE LIGHTS is the follow up to Luke s most successful album to date, Crash My Party, which contains six consecutive No. 1 singles, is certified Double Platinum and has currently sold over two million copies with eight million digital downloads.
Carly Rae Jepsen — Emotion

For her latest album, Carly Rae Jepsen collaborates with some of the biggest producers and songwriters, including Sia. The first single, I Really Like You, has already racked up millions of views online and extensive radio play.

 

 

Rend Collective — As Family We Go

Hailing from Ireland, Rend Collective is one of the Christian music’s most exciting new acts. Their latest studio record features engaging, upbeat worship that brings listeners closer to God. It also includes the radio hit You Will Never Run.

 

 

 

Rob Thomas — The Great Unknown

Multiple Grammy Award winner, and Matchbox Twenty frontman, Rob Thomas releases his first new solo album in more than six years. The highly anticipated album includes the new single Trust You.

 

 

 

 

The Weeknd — Beauty Behind the Madness

Two years after releasing Kiss Land, the Weeknd returns with his third full-length studio album, which includes the singles Can’t Feel My Face; The Hills; and Often..

 

 

 

Wilco — Star Wars

Wilco follows up their Grammy-nominated 2012 album, The Whole Love, with their ninth studio effort. Among the tracks is the new single Random Name Generator.

 

 

 

Yo-Yo Ma & Kathryn Stott — Songs from the Arc of Life

 

Longtime friends, cellist Yo-Yo Ma and pianist Kathryn Stott, create a unique classical music experience with their new recording. It includes pieces they have frequently performed but never recorded, as well as a handful of discoveries.

New CDs for August

- Bill Leave a comment

AUGUST 2015

Mac Demarco — Another One

Like the days of Steely Dan or Harry Nilsson releasing a classic album every year comes an eight-track release that expands the arsenal of Mac DeMarco’s already impressive catalog, showing the maturity of his progression as songwriter.
immortalizedDisturbed — Immortalized

After a four-year hiatus, hard rock titans Disturbed announce their return with their sixth studio album, which features the lead single The Vengeful One. Their last album, Asylum, was the band’s fourth consecutive number one release.
Now That’s What I Call Music 55

From Ed Sheeran’s Thinking Out Loud to Taylor Swift’s Style, the biggest chart hits come together in a new collection that also includes hits from Maroon 5, Nick Jonas, Tove Lo, Jason Derulo, and more.
buckcherryBuckcherry — Rock N’ Roll

Notorious LA hard rockers Buckcherry come roaring back onto the scene with their seventh full-length. They keep the party going with tracks like Bring It on Back, which is also the first single.

 

TobyMac — This Is Not a Test

The sixth studio album from the Christian hip hop artist.

New CDs for July

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Chemical Brothers — Born in the Echoes

The Grammy Winning Chemical Brothers return with their first album in five years and quickly remind fans of their influence and importance.

 

 

Finger Eleven — Five Crooked Lines

Finger Eleven prepares to release their seventh studio album, which is also their first new full-length in five years. Immediate, urgent, and unfiltered, it expresses the exultant spirit of rock n’ roll.
Buddy Guy — Born to Play Guitar

Legendary blues icon Buddy Guy returns with the follow-up to his 2013 album, Rhythm and Blues. Joining him here are such guests as Van Morrison, ZZ Top’s Billy Gibbons, Joss Stone, and Kim Wilson.

 

 


Jason Isbell — Something More Than Free

Jason Isbell returns with the follow-up to his acclaimed 2013 album Southeastern. In an interview with Rolling Stone, he stated that this release will be less dark. It also includes the track 24 Frames.
Alan Jackson — Angels and Alcohol

Country superstar Alan Jackson returns with his first new studio album in three years. It also marks 25 years since he released his debut album. Jackson had a hand in writing seven of the album’s ten tracks.
Owl City — Mobile Orchestra

Owl City, the artist behind hits like Fireflies, is back with his fifth album. The first single, Verge, features vocals from Aloe Blacc. There are also appearances from Hanson and country star Jake Owen.

 

 

Joss Stone — Water For Your Soul

Soulful singer Joss Stone returns with her first new album since 2012’s The Soul Sessions, Vol. 2. Includes the tracks The Answer; Stuck On You; and Let Me Breathe.

New Music for June

- Bill Leave a comment

Florence + The Machine — How Big, How Blue, How Beautiful

The third album from Florence + The Machine is live-sounding, tune-rich, unhinged in all the right places and powerful in all the best ways. In voice, lead singer Florence Welch has never sounded better. Includes the singles What Kind of Man; St. Jude; and Ship to Wreck.

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dronesMuse — Drones

The seventh studio album from the Grammy winning alternative band from the UK. The first single is Dead Inside. Co-produced by Muse and Robert John “Mutt” Lange.

 

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dalePitbull — Dale

Pitbull is back and ready to get the party started with his highly anticipated second Spanish language album. It promises to start the summer off right and keep the good times going throughout the year.

New Music for May

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Brandon Flowers — The Desired Effect

Almost five years since the release of his critically acclaimed solo debut, Flamingo, Brandon Flowers’s solo return follows a time of continued huge success with his band, the Killers.
Mumford & Sons — Wilder Mind

Features twelve new tracks, written collaboratively by the band in London, Brooklyn, and Texas. This release marks a significant departure for the young British band from their previous two records. There is a minimalist yet panoramic feel to this new album.
NOW #1s

The ever-popular music series brings together a collection of chart-topping hits from the worlds of pop, rock, rap, country, and more.

NOW That’s What I Call Music! 54

From rock and pop to rap, electronic, and country, one of music’s most popular series returns with a new collection featuring some of the hottest hits on the charts today.

 
Skrillex & Diplo — Jack U

Two of the biggest superstars in electronic music team up for a tour de force album that also includes guest appearances from Justin Bieber, 2 Chainz, and AlunaGeorge.
My Morning Jacket — The Waterfall

 

After four years, My Morning Jacket return with their seventh studio album. Their seventh full-length release also includes the new single Big Decisions.

New CD’s for April

- Bill Leave a comment

Mumford & Sons — Wilder Mind

Features twelve new tracks, written collaboratively by the band in London, Brooklyn, and Texas. This release marks a significant departure for the young British band from their previous two records. There is a minimalist yet panoramic feel to this new album.

 

The Plain White T’s — American Nights

After five years Plain White T’s, the band behind the hit Hey There Delilah, return with a brand new studio album. The first single, Pause, made its debut on Alternative Press’s website.

 

darius ruckerDarius Rucker — Southern Style

CMA and three-time Grammy Award winner Darius Rucker returns with his sixth solo studio album, which is the anticipated follow-up to 2013’s True Believers. Among the tracks is the new hit single Homegrown Honey.

 

Three Days Grace — Human

Ontario rockers Three Days Grace release their fifth studio album, which is the first to feature new lead singer Matt Walst. The album also includes the single I Am Machine, which has already become a hit on the rock charts.

 

Van Morrison — Duets: Re-Working the Catalogue

Van Morrison releases the 35th album of his storied career. Here he has re-recorded some of his favorite songs with the help of fellow artists including Michael Buble, Mavis Staples, and his own daughter Shana Morrison.

 

Brian Wilson — No Pier Pressure

One of popular music’s most deeply revered figures returns with his eleventh solo studio album. Joining him here are some of his former Beach Boys bandmates as well as Kacey Musgraves, fun.’s Nate Ruess, and more.

 

Zac Brown Band — Jekyll + Hyde

The fifth studio album from Zac Brown band features sixteen songs, including Heavy Is the Head with Soundgarden’s Chris Cornell and a collaboration with Sara Bareilles.