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Nit Picking

March 1, 2012 at 5:01 AM

Today, I discovered that it does little good to send people Sibelius files, especially if they do not have Sibelius software. I also learned that you cannot simply wave a wand and watch your file glimmer into a pdf. Instead, you can download free conversion software with a couple of simple, quick clicks, and before you know it, your computer will be crawling with uninvited programs you've never heard about--that is, until you google it and read about everyone else's woes when trying to uninstall said malware. I feel like I've been picking lice all day. I'm still not certain I got rid of them all, but at least my blog is no longer hyperlinking to advertisements using random words, like driveway and idea.

Six inches of snow later, I was able to successfully (hopefully) download clean, responsive software, thanks to fellow v.commie Scott Tran. A simple wave of the magic mouse, and my Sibelius file glimmered into a pdf of my very first jazz transcription of Grappelli's 1938 recording of "Night and Day." (As computer-unfriendly as I am, I feel so very proud of this technical accomplishment.) Feel free to contact me if you'd like a copy of this, as well as any future transcriptions or arrangements (dare we venture into composition?) I create.

(PS As long as we're in it this deep, I say we go for a record. I will be heartbroken if the barbecue does not get completely buried.)

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Thanks for going to all the trouble. Your efforts are much appreciated! Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow, as long as you have some good Grappelli to keep you company.
We got a little snow last night and today, but it's so wimpy compared to that. I miss it!
To create your pdfs try
http://www.cutepdf.com/Products/CutePDF/writer.asp
It's free and works like a printer - print your document and choose "Cute pdf" as your printer.
I have a mac and I've been able to create pdf's from my Sibelius files by going to print. There's a pdf option, and you can save it as pdf. I don't know if there's something similar with pc's though.
If I knew how to post pics on this site, I'd put up my picture of my picnic table, as it looks like a twin to your barbeque.
Sympathizing...
I saw your photos, Dottie! Lotta snow for one dump--how many inches?

This is an accumulated depth in which snow packs down into ice. In other words, three feet of snowpack from about nine feet of snow. I can't wait to see how long it sticks around this spring! :)

You have done well to transcribe Grappelli. Have you heard him play Stardust ? I have no idea what he is doing with it ! I heard him play a concert back in the late 1970's in Brisbane. It is still the best concert I have ever attended.