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1Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsSeattle singer Robert McPherson, known as “The Drunken Tenor,” opened the 2024 GeekWire Awards with a fast-moving parody about technologies that have fallen out of everyday use. Set to Billy Joel’s “We Didn’t Start the Fire,” the performance turned a roll call of old gadgets and online services into a comic look back at the tech many audience members remembered.
What happened at the GeekWire Awards
McPherson performed at the May 9, 2024, awards event at Showbox SoDo in Seattle. The evening’s theme was “Land Before Tech,” and his song opened the program with references to obsolete technology. GeekWire’s May 11 report described a sold-out crowd laughing and cheering at familiar references; it did not publish an attendance count or survey.
The 2024 GeekWire Awards recognized Pacific Northwest startups and technology companies. GeekWire’s 2024 Awards coverage identifies Astound Business Solutions as the event’s presenter.
What was the song about?
The parody used the rhythm and rapid-fire catalogue of Billy Joel’s “We Didn’t Start the Fire” to name once-popular gadgets, services and media formats that have since faded from common use. Among its references were VHS and Betamax, Palm Pilots and BlackBerries, dial-up internet, Friendster and dot-matrix printers. Those are examples from the performance, not a definitive inventory of obsolete technology.
#1 Best Overall
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The joke depends on recognition: a name can summon a memory of recording a tape, carrying a handheld organizer or waiting for a dial-up connection. The song compresses such memories into a brisk sequence rather than explaining the history of each technology.
How McPherson wrote the parody
McPherson told GeekWire he searched for obsolete technology, made lists and grouped items that rhymed. He said it took three days to write. “This one was in my wheelhouse,” he said. “It was fascinating because I wrote this parody in three days. This was one of the quickest writes I’ve ever done. I just I knew as soon as I started thinking about it, it had to be Billy Joel.”
Rank #2
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- Maximum Connectivity: Includes USB input, Line-in/out jacks, external mic support, and Bluetooth playback through the built-in 3.5" speaker.
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He also reflected on the pace of technological change: “I’ve watched so many things come and go in my lifetime,” McPherson told GeekWire at the Awards. “And while I may not be up to the minute, I think Gen X, we’ve always been adaptable.”
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Who is The Drunken Tenor?
“The Drunken Tenor” is the performance name GeekWire uses for Seattle singer Robert McPherson. The awards report also notes that he had appeared at an earlier GeekWire Awards, performing a song about generative AI and ChatGPT. For that earlier performance, he said, he had to educate himself about the subjects; in 2024, obsolete tech was more familiar territory.
Quick Recap
Rank #4
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Rank #3
- SMALL SIZE AND EASY HANDLE-TOMASHI cassette player is small and compact and easily portable,rewind fast forward stop play and record button,are easy to use
- TAPE PLAYER RECORDER-Multifunctional portable personal walkman cassette player tape recorder with built-in speaker support either built-in speaker playing and listening or headphone mode listening,built-in microphone or microphone recording. Most people use this cassette recorder listen to music,learn language
- AUTOMATIC STOP- To protect your cassette tapes and prevent unnecessary wear to the pinch roller of the cassette mechanism,this unit is equipped with an Automatic Stop System. When the tape ends during play, the PLAY BUTTON will automatically release to stop the cassette from running
- AC/DC POWER SUPPLY-This walkman uses 2 AA batteries (no included) or an USB power supply (no included), if you use the USB power recommend remove any battery first
- EXCELLENT GIFT IDEA - Having a tough time deciding on a gift for a loved one? Our cassette players make an ideal present for music enthusiasts on Christmas, Thanksgiving, or birthdays
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