Tuesday 8 April 2014

If I should disappear without warning.......

.......don't be too surprised or alarmed. My computer's started to do strange things which I reckon is not unconnected with Microsoft's withdrawal of support, from today, for WindowsXP.


This computer is eight years old and I've been clinging onto it without updating to a more advanced Windows version. The entire hardware and software were 'state-of-the-art' way back in 2006, but now this desktop is becoming beyond useable (as well as looking bulky and unsightly). I'm trying to postpone the inevitable - for, of course, financial reasons - but I think it's going to give up on me before I can take the inevitable step of doing what really needs to be done viz: purchase a brand new computer with the very latest software.
An entirely new problem I had this morning was on this blog-site of mine where, instead of showing the blogs of everyone I follow, with their recent postings in chronological order, I was only getting the blogs of Dr Spo of SpoReflections. I don't know why his blog should have been picked out from the score or so for which I do look out. (I'm not complaining about that!) But I could only retrieve everyone else's blogs by deleting his name (hopefully, very temporarily) from my blog-list. (Dr Spo, if you're reading this I'll have to follow you by a special daily search until the problem goes away.)

Btw: A nephew of mine has gone in for the latest, 'Windows 8.1' but is having the world's own trouble which, he says, is causing widespread difficulties all over the place. But he lives 300 miles away and I have no one on hand to advise me what hardware and software to opt for and how to transfer my current files to the new contraption.
Anyway, if I go off-radar, this is the most likely reason. Just sayin'.


Now just to get any blog-readers bang up-to-date on other matters:-

Films:
I actually haven't seen any since my last posting of a fortnight ago because, frankly, there's been hardly anything at all which sounds worth seeing, at least to me.
I've been warned off 'Captain America'. Then 'Noah', from what I've read, is so dreadful I thought it might be worth going to see just for a laugh, but I'm not keen on spending money needlessly. Might see 'Divergent' next week, but not all that eager on yet another 'Hunger Games' type of thing.
The only film still playing I'd like to have seen is 'The Double'. However, showing times are frustratingly inconvenient though yet might manage it. And I am looking forward to seeing 'Calvary' in a week or two. But apart from that, nothing on the horizon, I think. But should I see anything which I'm still able to blog about I will do.


Pussy update:
I was immensely gratified to have received so many messages of sympathy for the distressing discovery of my dear little ginger friend in my previous post. Naturally I realise that it's something we all have to go through - observing or being conscious of the death of others, humans or creatures, is an unavoidable aspect of life itself and we all have to take our 'turns' at experiencing it, some more than others.
But, as if to rub salt in the wound, Ginger's owner (the very same who made a veiled threat to me that I was to stop feeding Ginger), when it came to 'claiming' the poor thing, denied that the cat was his, saying that his own cat is ginger all over whereas Ginger was ginger and white.What a nerve! I know all the cats in this vicinity and there just is not another entirely ginger one around here. (Unless he keeps it 'imprisoned', but in that case why did he threaten me?). I reckon he's just trying to avoid the charge from the local council for removing Ginger who, I understand, is kept in a freezer awaiting claim for a few days, before being disposed of in whatever way they do it. But it's very sad that the owner, whom I haven't spoken to personally since it happened, now rejects his own 'child'.
And yet another tragic pussy-tale. I mentioned briefly in one of my responses to a comment in my last post that I was being visited every single day for the last two or three weeks by a 'new' little tortie which, I was pretty sure, was expecting kittens. Suddenly it's stopped coming - the last time was just two day's following my discovery of Ginger. Although I was, of course, dreading this little mum-to-be having its litter in my flat, its abrupt disappearance makes me feel the worst might have happened. It was very affectionate, and trusted me deeply, which is why she was coming here regularly, sleeping and sitting looking out of the window. None of the other cats took against her presence in the slightest. I fear she may well have been put down, though I'd still love her to re-appear without that swollen belly. I even fear that she might have come from the same home as Mr Nasty who's taken the opportunity to draw a line under his present pets. If so I only hope he doesn't have any more, but I fear he might yet cause further trouble in the future.


And finally:-
As if there wasn't already enough happening in my life I'm just getting over the heaviest cold and persistent cough I've had in what must be something like twenty years or more. At least I hope it's on the way out. It's been a monster. Eyes and nose streaming, hacking cough through the nights with lungs wheezing like a rusty old squeeze-box. Oh, it's been a trial! Started when, having had a callous removed from the sole of one of my feet which has been troubling me for over a year and prevented my regular morning jogging (not done since Summer 2012) I took to resuming it, trying to build up gradually. Unfortunately, despite the recent mild weather, the early morning climate appears to have disagreed with the attempt and that triggered the malaise. (All my life I've been particularly vulnerable around the neck/throat area. Strange how everyone seems to have their own particular physical 'Achilles Heel', though in my case it was much higher up.)
Anyway, as long as there isn't a relapse, I should be in the pink again in a few days time, fingers crossed.


So that's the situation, gentle readers. I don't often post on matters concerning my own life so I trust this quite  lengthy entry should make up for past absences. It may be a long time before the next one.

I'll keep on using this prehistoric apparatus for as long as I can (the computer, I mean, not my body!) and post any film reviews I can before it all blows up in my face. I'll also keep commenting on your own blogs for as long as it allows.

So, if I do do a David Copperfield, don't fret. I'll get back somehow, though it could take a little while, and I'll see you on 'the other side'.

20 comments:

  1. I'm with you on the computer issues: I hate them!

    Ginger's "owner" is proof that some people shouldn't be allowed to have pets.

    And lastly, feel better, take care of yourself, and we'll be right here when you get back!

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    1. Thanks, Bob. I've no intention of leaving quite yet. If I had the dosh I'd have bought a new computer long time ago. As it is, I'm going to wait to be pushed, so I hope to continue making comments as before for as long as poss.

      Yes, that chap is weird. A few years ago he had a couple of lovely little dogs which he'd take to the park opposite me every morning. Then suddenly they weren't there any more. I'm too scared to think what might have happened to them as his own 'history' now seems to be revealing itself.

      Oh, and the little fever I had with the rest seems to have gone now, though the cough and cold are still hanging around, reducing their presences bit by bit. Will be glad when they've said "Goodbye" but they're definitely past their worst now. But thanks for your concern once more.

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  2. Ray,
    I just heard this morning that Mr. Softee and Company was discontinuing support of Windows XP. My strong recommendation for you is to now purchase an Apple product, preferably an iMac. Why continue torturing yourself with all the constant Windows updates (most of which cause more problems than they fix by the updates) and loading your computer down with virus protection software which only slow your computer down. Why people put themselves through this torture and frustration is beyond me. Sure, an iMac costs more but in the long run it's a bargain, believe me. And do not fear the learning curve, it's minimal.
    Good luck!

    Ron

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    1. I honestly wish I knew precisely what you mean, Ron. You sound so certain and I've no doubt your advice is sound. But terms like 'Apple' and 'iMac' mean little other than my having heard the words before. What I really require is someone physically present on hand to guide me, my knowledge of computers being even less than sketchy. Trouble is, getting professional advice is also costly, something which takes it out of the realms of realism for me right now. But your saying 'do not fear the learning curve' is reassuring. Clearly I must NOT forget what you're saying - and I won't. Thanks for the notion!

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    2. Ray,
      The very best advice I can give you is to put as much distance between you and any products that are Microsoft (Windows). Go with an Apple product, preferably an iMac. You'll never regret it. You have to get out of the Microsoft Trap.
      Ron

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    3. I note the strength of your advice, Ron - and feel that I must act on it. I'll investigate - and am assuming that this Apple and iMac do desk-tops and not just lap-tops. (You see how primitive my knowledge is!) Will report on my findings.

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  3. I had the same "spo problem" this morning; must have been blogger, not your computer. I run windows 7 on my laptop.

    don't remain TOO invisible, as I would miss your voice on the wires. and take care of yourself; don't be having to go to hospital like me!

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    1. Oh, sounds like I probably jumped the gun on my Spo-assumption, A.M. Thanks for mentioning that. But even so, it's a wake-up call.

      I'm not going to go quietly, if I have to go at all (I'm talking about the computer!) so I'll be around as long as I jolly well can, by fair means or foul. But 'ta' for your concern.

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  4. get your laptop rebuilt and then spend the money on another version of office. more cost effective. if you only use your laptop to surf the net then buying something that has all the whistles and does photoshop is a complete waste of money. decide what you need and I will ask posh boy.

    My own laptop is a reconditioned one from dell. it works great. does everything I need it to and for sure Posh boy would not get me any old type of carp. lots of people spend huge amounts of money being sold whole heaps of carp they will never use in a laptop and PC. Make a list of all the things you use over the next few weeks. just because the support has gone, does NOT mean that your PC will go kaput. the operating system will still work. I cant imagine you call Microsoft for support anyway.

    Blogger is always doing nutso things.

    As for the cat. Hmm super sad. Maybe if he keeps being a real plank, someone will report him. he is probably one of those people that has loads of animals and then doesn't look after them.

    when and if your PC goes, contact me. Leave me a comment with your email, I wont publish it. Then I will email you and then if everything goes wrong you can go to the library and email me from there for free.

    Don't stress about it. For the mo start to look for things you want to keep, get yourself a small hard drive if you are going to spend money and start saving things there. it is good practise to do this anyways. Your PC should be fine I have asked posh boy just now. Email me anyways.

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    1. I'm quite overwhelmed by this offer of support, Sol, and do feel inclined to take you up on it. However, the problem is that my knowledge on all this computer business is so at an infant stage that some of what you say I just don't understand e.g. "Get your laptop rebuilt."????? I didn't know it was possible and haven't a clue where to start. "Get yourself a small hard drive." ???? Ditto. (Another one I'm at a loss on is when people talk about 'memory sticks'. What on earth is one of those?)

      I really need someone here at hand to guide me and explain the options I have without thinking of the money that he's going to earn by pushing and selling a certain product. And there's no one. I only have two nephews and two great nephews who are au fait with computers and they all live hundreds of miles away. When I have asked for their help in the past they haven't exactly been enthusiastic - probably because they see me as the old fogey that I am who won't be around for much longer anyway (that may be how the great nephews in particular think, who are also the most clued-up of the four.)
      I'm not sure that any help I get over blogs or e-mails, extremely grateful as I am for ANY assistance, can replace face-to-face, trustworthy advice. Still, it would be silly not to make use of your kind offer. I'll do what you say and think about what I need the computer for. I've always been aware that I only ever use this thing for a mere fraction of its potential. I'll keep you posted somehow on progress on my thoughts if and when.....

      I didn't think that Microsoft's withdrawal of support for XP would mean that the computer would stop all its functions like a switch being turned off. I suspect it will be more in dribs and drabs until operating it becomes so tiresome that a radical remedy is necessary.
      And you're right, I've never even once contacted Microsoft for support so it's not something I'm about to suddenly miss.

      Re the cats(s). Yes, I think it's the case that the man's pets won't stay with him because they recognise his conduct is not to be trusted. My Noodles (sleeping right here now on this computer desk) ran away from his home and, despite our combined attempts to get him back and stay he just would not remain there. So the man gave up. That was about 8 years ago and Noodles is still happy with me.
      I really fear now that the sweet little Tortie who started to live here, full of tiny kittens, was also his, and that a few days ago he killed it. I can't bear to think too much about it - if I do I'll go mad.
      I think I attract his cats because they recognise my place as a safe environment, with myself as non-threatening, something which this man clearly does not provide. I hope to God he doesn't go ahead and get any more pets - but I fear that it might be an addiction for him.
      Btw: He's not that old - perhaps early 40s, well-built, robust and sturdy, with slightly skinhead features. I only heard the other day that he's got a 'retarded' daughter living there which would explain a lot why pets feel unsafe in that house. But I think that that's only part of the story. His own behavior regarding animals generally is highly suspect.

      Right. Now I'll get back to my regular blog-reading and commenting, hoping that this tired old comp will bear up for a while longer.
      Thanks again for your offer. I'll write more in due course, hopefully before anything starts to go down.

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  5. I can always call you, if you need help. ;) i hate people spending on what they dont need. they will whizz bang you in the shop and you will pay for something you wont use. They did this to my parents and Posh boy went off his head. they were trying to sell them a mac. it was something nuts like £1500 + and we got them a laptop for £200 and it does more than they need. I think yours will be fine for the mo. sit tight.

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    1. It's exactly my fear that someone susses out that my computer knowledge is so basic and primitive (and it won't take them long) that they'll try to fleece me by dazzling me with things I don't understand, trying to convince that what they are recommending is precisely what I need. I'd be easy prey if it wasn't for the fact that I don't have much money anyway, and am NOT prepared to even consider spoiling my 20-year record of not going into debt. (Current debts - Nil, and I don't have any credit cards).

      I'm still thinking about what Ron, above, says about that I should forget Windows and go straight for an Apple iMac. But, as I say, these are just words to me. I wish there was someone I could ask to second his opinion. If I inquired at a computer store they'd only be interested in pushing the products they've got on sale themselves and not my own needs.
      I'm not going to rush into anything yet. Still counting on this current state continues functioning for a while before something untoward happens.
      Btw: A bit surprised that when closing down this morning a Windows update was automatically loaded. I'd expected that to have stopped after yesterday, though perhaps they were updates common to all the Windows versions.

      As you suggest, I'm sitting tight - for the time being at least.

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  6. Hey Ray, I think John Gray has an Ipad. what about picking his brains. they sure aren't cheap and if the need fixing then it is mega bucks but defo worth looking into all options.

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    1. Thanks, Sol. Even though I'm not quite sure what an Ipad is (Told you I was dim!) I may well take up the suggestion. But as things are, all is swimming along reasonably smoothly at this point in time - so I may need some reason to start investigating in earnest.

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  7. I love when you tell us about your life. So sorry about all that's been going on and hope you're feeling better quickly. My mother connects every illness and pain with an event that occurs around the same time. For example, if she had gotten a bad cold after having a callous removed, she'd "never have another callous removed." Glad you're not like that.

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  8. I tend not to bother talking about my life, Mitch, because compared with others (no names mentioned) which appear so colourful and eventful, mine is so BORING. So I prefer to witter on about films which are generally much more worthwhile blogging fodder, though not always.

    No, I'm not like your mum. I've never been hypochondriac and only rarely get ailments of any description. In fact, if anything, I'm constantly amazed at our bodies' ability to repair and restore itself when there's so much that can go wrong at any time. Having said that, my troubling cough and heavy cold linger on, now a full week later, though they are very slowly loosening grip. Thanks for your kind words, though.

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  9. You really ought to post life events occasionally. Let's us all know more about you. As for the PC, if they are available there you may want to look into a netbook. They can be dirt cheap and everything is stored on the web.
    Sorry about the miserable cold, not good any time but worse in the spring. Good luck with everything, and thanks for sharing.

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    1. 'Ta' for that, C. My life is so uneventful compared with others I read (including your own) that it would bore my followers to distraction if I wrote on it, but if anything noteworthy DOES happen I'll certainly do a posting.

      My ignorance of computers becomes increasingly apparent - as here, when I haven't a clue what a 'netbook' is. I only wish there was someone here at hand, someone whom I could trust not to make me spend needlessly, but to suggest only what I need for my requirements. But there ain't one.

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  10. your life is never dull, is it?
    Please don't do a Mr. Copperfield, if only for the length of the conversations.

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    1. If I do vanish, Dr Spo, it won't be through any action on my part, so I'll try to put it off happening as long as poss. But flattered to think that I might be missed by no less a strategic personage as yourself.

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