Monday, September 30, 2019

STARS: Downloading Music to an MP3 player using YouTube

I had been trying for weeks how to download music onto an MP3 player for my incarcerated uncle.

He cannot have a smartphone so iTunes, Spotify, TIDAL or the other music mediums were out.  I didn't want to pay for a bunch of music either.

I sought out some of my tech support connects and was put onto youtubemp3.today. I actually type that link into my browser. 

I then type the song I want converted to MP3 format. Once that happens, a link appears for me to be able to download the MP3. I found that using the green button yields the better results far as downloading the song. 

I then opened my files and drives. I transferred the songs, around 15-20 at a time from my main drive to the music folder on my MP3 player that was plugged into my PC. I simply copied the downloaded MP3s and pasted them. 

I hope this helps out folks that need or want another medium for listening to their favorite music. 

Wednesday, September 18, 2019

STARS: Planning a Suprise Party

I grew up in a family that did suprise parties for seemingly everyone, specifically milestone birthdays (18th, 40, 50, etc). 

First thing I do when I plan a suprise party is check with the close friends/family/spouse and see what they have planned and the person's availability.  I also do this when I know the person is into suprises..

I then set a date and venue unbeknownst to the person. I then assign an accomplice (I have played this role at least 6 times). 

One important thing I do is make sure nothing out of the ordinary routine is performed with the person. They will suspect something is off and may get upset, especially at a spouse or significant other. Keep everything routine and covert. 

You then have the accomplice make plans with the person, while everyone else is in place with the party setup and location.  I make sure my story is airtight and ties in within a normal routine. Going to dinner or for a special movie or even to pick something up are common scenarios that tend to work. 

Also, I make sure all parties present hide their cars or park them away from the venue to drown out suspicion. This seems to work better in public. 

I then hold the party, also ensuring everyone is on time so that nothing else is suspect.  Also, the story/lie has to be held up. When you yell "suprise" you want that true element of surprise. 

Hopefully that person has a very pleasant surprise and a good time. 

Wednesday, September 11, 2019

STARS: Planning a successful family reunion

I think about the second Saturday in September with fond memories. This was the date for years that I held and organized my family reunion.  Due to certain factors, I decided to give it up. However it was a good run. 

I secured a good indoor location and steady date that was memorable and convenient.  I wanted to do it after school started but just before all of the after school activities kicked into full gear. Plus, I wanted a time where the weather would be at a medium temperature. Saturday is typically the best day to do anything socially also. I looked at every month, season and happening and decided upon the second Saturday in September.

I then had to make sure I reserved the location in advance, got the word out via social media, phone calls, texts and word of mouth. I also set up signs and gave directions to assist others in arriving at the venue. Additionally, I had set guidelines for the building and the nearby cemetery. 

I then held the reunion each year. I devised creative ways and activities to encourage folks to stay longer. Family history and old pictures seemed to work the best. 

The reunion was then held, I set up a donation jar to give back to the church since it was free. I arrived early to set up with others and we always left it better than we found it. I also brought some food and made sure that there were plenty of paper products. 

I kept the family reunion going for seven years using this method. It was memorable among many, although attended by few. Therefore if you have a family that really wants a reunion, I hope this post helps