Tag / iPad

by admin

52 Books in 52 Weeks – 2019 Edition

bookshelfA new year is once again upon us, and it is time to start year ten of the goal to read a book a week for the entire year, totaling 52 books in 52 weeks.  In year one, I only made it to 8 books.  Year two doubled that total.  Year three used graphic novels to improve once again, finishing with 24.  Year four was the first where I dropped from the year before, only finishing 18 books, which was well short of the ultimate goal.  Year five, I bounced back to finish with 23 books.  Year six, I had my best year since starting this challenge, not to mention my best reading year ever, finishing with 31 books.  Three years ago, I matched that high point in total books, though far surpassing it in total pages read thanks to reading the entire Harry Potter series.  Two years ago, I dropped back down to 28.  Last year, I finished with my lowest total since 2014.

I’m going to give it another go this year.  I’ve got plenty of new books loaded in the Kindle app on my iPad, plus a few new purchases from Amazon, not to mention one or two birthday and Christmas presents, so I’ve got a good pile to start with.  As a reminder, the rules I am using are:

  • You can count a book as read as long as you have completed the book in 2019 and at least 50% of that reading takes place in 2018
  • Any book counts as long as you’re not embarrassed to count it.
  • Poetry collections do indeed count.
  • Re-reading a book is okay as long as it isn’t done this year. (Reading Twilight twice in 2010 only counts as 1 read)
  • Audiobooks also count.

My first book of the year looks like it will be authored by a former president.  All told, 2019 should be another good year.

by admin

52 Books in 52 Weeks – 2018 Edition

bookshelfA new year is once again upon us, and it is time to start year nine of the goal to read a book a week for the entire year, totaling 52 books in 52 weeks.  In year one, I only made it to 8 books.  Year two doubled that total.  Year three used graphic novels to improve once again, finishing with 24.  Year four was the first where I dropped from the year before, only finishing 18 books, which was well short of the ultimate goal.  Year five, I bounced back to finish with 23 books.  Three years ago, I had my best year since starting this challenge, not to mention my best reading year ever, finishing with 31 books.  Two years ago, I matched that high point in total books, though far surpassing it in total pages read thanks to reading the entire Harry Potter series.  Last year, I dropped back down to 28.

I’m going to give it another go this year.  I’ve got a plenty of new books loaded in the Kindle app on my iPad, plus a few new purchases from Amazon, not to mention one or two birthday and Christmas presents, so I’ve got a good pile to start with.  As a reminder, the rules I am using are:

  • You can count a book as read as long as you have completed the book in 2018 and at least 50% of that reading takes place in 2018
  • Any book counts as long as you’re not embarrassed to count it.
  • Poetry collections do indeed count.
  • Re-reading a book is okay as long as it isn’t done this year. (Reading Twilight twice in 2010 only counts as 1 read)
  • Audiobooks also count.

My first book of the year looks like it will be You Deserve A Drink, the first memoir from internet sensation Mamrie Hart.  All told, 2018 should be another good year.

by admin

52 Books in 52 Weeks – 2017 Edition

bookshelfA new year is once again upon us, and it is time to start year eight of the goal to read a book a week for the entire year, totaling 52 books in 52 weeks.  In year one, I only made it to 8 books.  Year two doubled that total.  Year three used graphic novels to improve once again, finishing with 24.  Year four was the first where I dropped from the year before, only finishing 18 books, which was well short of the ultimate goal.  Three years ago, I bounced back to finish with 23 books.  Two years ago, I had my best year since starting this challenge, not to mention my best reading year ever, finishing with 31 books.  Last year, I matched that high point in total books, though far surpassing it in total pages read thanks to reading the entire Harry Potter series.

I’m going to give it another go this year.  I’ve got a few new books loaded in the Kindle app on my iPad, plus a few new purchases from Amazon, not to mention birthday and Christmas presents, so I’ve got a good pile to start with.  As a reminder, the rules I am using are:

  • You can count a book as read as long as you have completed the book in 2017 and at least 50% of that reading takes place in 2017
  • Any book counts as long as you’re not embarrassed to count it.
  • Poetry collections do indeed count.
  • Re-reading a book is okay as long as it isn’t done this year. (Reading Twilight twice in 2010 only counts as 1 read)
  • Audiobooks also count.

My first book of the year looks like it will be A Bloody Storm, the third part of Richard Castle’s Derrick Storm novellas.  All told, 2017 should be another good year.

by jim

52 Books in 52 Weeks – 2016 Edition

bookshelfA new year is once again upon us, and it is time to start year seven of the goal to read a book a week for the entire year, totaling 52 books in 52 weeks.  In year one, I only made it to 8 books.  Year two doubled that total.  Year three used graphic novels to improve once again, finishing with 24.  Year four was the first where I dropped from the year before, only finishing 18 books, which was well short of the ultimate goal.  Two years ago, I bounced back to finish with 23 books.  Last year, I had my best year since starting this challenge, not to mention my best reading year ever, finishing with 31 books.

I’m going to give it another go this year.  I’ve got a few new books loaded in the Kindle app on my iPad, plus a few new purchases from Amazon, not to mention birthday and Christmas presents, so I’ve got a good pile to start with.  As a reminder, the rules I am using are:

  • You can count a book as read as long as you have completed the book in 2016 and at least 50% of that reading takes place in 2016
  • Any book counts as long as you’re not embarrassed to count it.
  • Poetry collections do indeed count.
  • Re-reading a book is okay as long as it isn’t done this year. (Reading Twilight twice in 2010 only counts as 1 read)
  • Audiobooks also count.

My first book of the year looks like it will be Pudge, a biography of Carlton Fisk.  All told, 2016 should be another good year.

 

by admin

Top 200 Albums – #1 – 10

itunes_imageMy latest desktop computer arrived in late 2007, at which point I transitioned all of my music off of my laptop. 2 iPods, 3 iPhones, and an iPad later, that computer is still my main repository of music, with iTunes updating its stats every time I listen to something.

Having already gone through cassette tapes and CDs, and digital music, it’s time to roll everything up with the Top 200 albums whose songs I’ve listened to as of September 2014, according to iTunes. Today we finish up the list and look at the top 10 albums that I have listened to the most.

#1: The Cast of Buffy The Vampire Slaying – Once More, With Feeling
iTunes stats: 326 plays
The soundtrack album to the musical episode of Buffy The Vampire Slayer takes the top spot thanks to 21 of the 23 tunes from the album.

#2: Various Artists – The Muppets
iTunes stats: 287 plays
The entire album contributed to this total for the soundtrack album from the big Muppets comeback movie in 2011.

#3: The Lonely Island – Incredibad
iTunes stats: 181 plays
7 tracks from the debut album, most of which originated as digital shorts on SNL.

#4: Foo Fighters – Live In Hyde Park 2006
iTunes stats: 180 plays
This bootleg makes the list thanks to 8 live versions of the band’s greatest hits.

#5: Various Artists – Billboard’s Top Rock ‘n’ Roll Hits: 1969
iTunes stats: 171 plays
8 of the 10 songs on this album contributed to this total, with the vast majority coming from Steam, thanks to its connection with the White Sox.

#6: Tegan and Sara – So Jealous
iTunes stats: 156 plays
The entire album, which I have also had loaded in my car’s CD player since 2005, makes up this total.

#7: Aerosmith – O, Yeah! Ultimate Aerosmith Hits
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by admin

Top 200 Albums – #11 – 20

itunes_imageMy latest desktop computer arrived in late 2007, at which point I transitioned all of my music off of my laptop. 2 iPods, 3 iPhones, and an iPad later, that computer is still my main repository of music, with iTunes updating its stats every time I listen to something.

Having already gone through cassette tapes and CDs, and digital music, it’s time to roll everything up with the Top 200 albums whose songs I’ve listened to as of September 2014, according to iTunes. Today we near the end of the list and look at the bottom half of the top 20 albums, breaking the 100 listen mark.

#11: Garbage – Absolute Garbage
iTunes stats: 123 plays
The greatest hits package from Garbage uses 17 songs to make up this total.

#12: Various Artists – TV’s Hits Vol. 7: Cable Ready
iTunes stats: 119 plays
This collection of TV theme songs, mostly from the early to mid 90s, uses 13 different tunes, from shows like Mad About You. Saved By The Bell, and Blossom.

#13: Patton Oswalt – Werewolves And Lollipops
iTunes stats: 114 plays
This total for Patton Oswalt’s standup set would be significantly higher if I were to sync my old phone again.

#14: The Monkees – The Monkees Greatest Hits
iTunes stats: 110 plays
19 different tracks from the made-for-TV band make up this total.

#14: Journey – Journey’s Greatest Hits
iTunes stats: 110 plays
4 different tunes make up this total, although 1 of them contributes 106 of the listens.

#16: Queen – Queen: Greatest Hits I & II
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by admin

Top 200 Albums – #21 – 28

itunes_imageMy latest desktop computer arrived in late 2007, at which point I transitioned all of my music off of my laptop. 2 iPods, 3 iPhones, and an iPad later, that computer is still my main repository of music, with iTunes updating its stats every time I listen to something.

Having already gone through cassette tapes and CDs, and digital music, it’s time to roll everything up with the Top 200 albums whose songs I’ve listened to as of September 2014, according to iTunes. Today, we round out the 20s with the 8 albums ranked 27th through 21st and have between 88 and 98 listens.

#21: Garbage – Beautiful Garbage
iTunes stats: 98 plays
The third studio album from the group uses 13 tracks to make up this total.

#22: Various Artists – Living In The 90’s
iTunes stats: 97 plays
A whopping 22 songs, from bands like The Proclaimers, EMF, and Roxette, make up the total for this compilation of early 90s hits.

#23: David Cross – Bigger and Blackerer
iTunes stats: 94 plays
The entirety of the latest comedy album from David Cross makes up this total.

#24: Garbage – Bleed Like Me
iTunes stats: 93 plays
The fourth studio album from the group uses 11 tracks to make up this total.

#24: Mexican Cheerleader – Mexican Cheerleader
iTunes stats: 93 plays
The debut album from the local punk band uses 10 songs to make up its total.

#26: Foo Fighters – Skin And Bones
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by admin

Top 200 Albums – #29 – 37

itunes_imageMy latest desktop computer arrived in late 2007, at which point I transitioned all of my music off of my laptop. 2 iPods, 3 iPhones, and an iPad later, that computer is still my main repository of music, with iTunes updating its stats every time I listen to something.

Having already gone through cassette tapes and CDs, and digital music, it’s time to roll everything up with the Top 200 albums whose songs I’ve listened to as of September 2014, according to iTunes. Today, we crack the top 30 with the 9 albums ranked from 37th to 29th with between 76 and 86 listens.

#29: Motley Crue – Motley Crue Greatest Hits
iTunes stats: 86 plays
9 of the glam metal bands biggest hits make up the total for this greatest hits package.

#29: Garbage – Chicago ’05
iTunes stats: 86 plays
This bootleg, from the bands 2005 show at the Metro, uses all 17 songs from its setlist to make up this total.

#29: P.O.D. – Satellite
iTunes stats: 86 plays
2 tunes, and former White Sox closer Bobby Jenks, are responsible for this total.

#32: The Beatles – Past Masters, Vol. 2 [2009 Stereo Remaster]
iTunes stats: 84 plays
This remastered version of the album has 10 songs that make up its total.

#33: The Beatles (White Album) [Disc 1] [2009 Stereo Remaster]
iTunes stats: 82 plays
This remastered version of the classic double album has 8 songs that make up its total.

#34: Garbage – Version 2.0
iTunes stats: 80 plays
12 tracks from the band’s second album make up this total.

#34: Various Artists – Buffy The Vampire Slayer: The Album
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by admin

Top 200 Albums – #38 – 45

itunes_imageMy latest desktop computer arrived in late 2007, at which point I transitioned all of my music off of my laptop. 2 iPods, 3 iPhones, and an iPad later, that computer is still my main repository of music, with iTunes updating its stats every time I listen to something.

Having already gone through cassette tapes and CDs, and digital music, it’s time to roll everything up with the Top 200 albums whose songs I’ve listened to as of September 2014, according to iTunes. Today, we look at the 8 albums that rank from 45th through 38th, with 68-75 listens.

#38: The Beatles – Please Please Me [2009 Stereo Remaster]
iTunes stats: 75 plays
The remastered version of the first Beatles album uses 7 songs to make the list.

#38: Poison: Swallow This Live
iTunes stats: 75 plays
The first CD I ever owned, which I received for Christmas in December of 1991, makes the list thanks to 8 tracks from the double album.

#40: Pearl Jam – Vs.
iTunes stats: 71 plays
Pearl Jam’s second album, which I purchased as a midnight release at the record store in Purdue West whose name escapes me, makes the list thanks to 7 tunes.

#40: Various Artists – Television’s Greatest Hits, Vol. 1
iTunes stats: 71 plays
23 theme songs, from shows like Perry Mason, Leave It To Beaver, and The Munsters, make up the total from this compilation.

#42: Eminem – The Marshall Mathers LP
iTunes stats: 69 plays
7 tracks make up the total for this breakthrough album.

#42: The Beatles – Magical Mystery Tour [2009 Stereo Remaster]
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by admin

Top 200 Albums – #46 – 53

itunes_imageMy latest desktop computer arrived in late 2007, at which point I transitioned all of my music off of my laptop. 2 iPods, 3 iPhones, and an iPad later, that computer is still my main repository of music, with iTunes updating its stats every time I listen to something.

Having already gone through cassette tapes and CDs, and digital music, it’s time to roll everything up with the Top 200 albums whose songs I’ve listened to as of September 2014, according to iTunes. Today, after months of counting down, we crack the top 50 of the list and look at the 8 albums ranked between 53 and 46 with 58-65 listens.

#46: Various Artists – Monster Madness
iTunes stats: 65 plays
9 tracks, from exciting artists like Faith No More, Lita Ford, and Nelson, make up the total for this hair metal compilation.

#46: Various Artists – The Transformers: The Movie
iTunes stats: 65 plays
6 tunes, from the likes of Stan Bush and Weird Al Yankovic, make up the total for this soundtrack from the animated TransFormers film from the mid-80s.

#48: Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers – Greatest Hits
iTunes stats: 64 plays
10 of Tom Petty’s biggest hits make up the total for this greatest hits compilation.

#49: Various Artists – ’90s Style
iTunes stats: 62 plays
9 tracks, from exciting 90s artists like Jill Sobule, Green Jelly, and MC Hammer, make up the total for this compilation album.

#50: Snoop Dogg – Doggystyle
iTunes stats: 59 plays
Snoop Dogg’s debut album uses 5 songs to make up this total.

#50: Various Artists – Millenium Rock N’ Roll Party
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