It is about the time that I figure to the yearly year-end chart, based on the data compiled by Billboard magazine. I have been following the charts ever since grade school, but I have only been trying to guess the year end rankings for the last decade or so. This year, I have already picked out the three songs most likely to vie for the top spot: "The Box" by Roddy Rich, "Circles" by Post Malone, and "Blinding Lights" by The Weeknd. I believe that last one has the best overall chances. I have been thinking about doing something different in my calculation -- I will be making a spreadsheet. I would be my first time ever in making one. Since I will probably need some sort of skill in the next few months if I get a new job, I thought it would be prudent to learn about them. Why haven't I used them before? Good question. First, I have only had a computer of my own for a few years. Since I didn't have an easy way to create spreadsheets, I never learned much about them. Sure, I would occasionally see them online during my short periods of time I was able to do so, but I didn't give two thoughts about them. I did all of my business needs either in longhand or in my head. Official documentation was left to my accountant. Things got a little confusing at times, but I managed to muddle through. When I finally did get my computer, I only had two months to get up to speed before my classes started. That was the reason I got the computer in the first place. I didn't even get an internet hookup until a few weeks before classes started. I tried to get as much information from guides before then, so I wouldn't be too far behind in my skills. Strangely enough, some applications were skipped or only mentioned in passing, while others that I didn't think were important were given multiple pages. One group barely mentioned were the office suite of applications -- Pages, Numbers, and Keynote. These are Apple's word processing, spreadsheets, and presentation apps in order. I was already familiar with word processing. I had my blogs for well over a year before I got my Mac. The techniques were similar enough that I didn't have much more to learn. Well, I actually had a lot more to learn, but I knew enough to get my work in on time. I have yet to give the other two apps more than a cursory look, usually when they are updated. I admit that I could have used Keynote as a part of one of my assignments, but I chose an option where I could get around it. Numbers looks like it will be easier, but I will probably have to learn both before getting a new job or going back to school. It has usually taken me a little over an hour to write out my own calculations for the year end rankings. Because I don't have the the entire weekly totals at my disposal (I only focus on the top ten), I know from the start that my calculations will be off. However, my estimates are frequently within the range of the actual year end positions. I just have to plug the data into the app and see what pops up. I managed to find one guide that discusses the office suite of apps. It is about two operating system updates behind, but the basics should still apply. I am planning to start this project the first Monday in December, after the chart year ends, and after I finish up my latest college application attempt. I know that this isn't exactly the primary use for a spreadsheet, but it will work. I guess. At least I can try.
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