Friday, December 15, 2006

Dreams: The Dream Tune

The subconscious mind is really amazing. For the past 3-4 days i have been struggling with a song i have been trying to compose for a kids' show. Suddenly this morning, something cool happened that never did before.

I just wished it could go on like that...


It's a dream come true!

Wednesday, November 15, 2006

News: MAC vs. PC.... MAC!

MAC versus PC. Really. Is there actually a choice?! Let me tell you a little story about installing an audio working station on PC.

Just for the past few days i have been working full-time for this new company. They have created a whole new working station for me in a... PC format.
Even though i am a MAC user, I am not saying that PC sucks. I mean, it's really cool to be able to choose the graphic card you want, the audio card, the memory etc. etc. etc. Really, you can't really do that on MACs. I mean, you can, but it costs you a whole big sum... It's just not funny.

BUT! Let's look at PCs in a different perspective.

This new working station has really one of the best stuff in it. I have 2 LCD monitors, a TV and a projector, 2GB of memory, 2.4Ghz processor... I mean, seriously... should i ask for more?! I doubt. It's really fast, the processing is smooth and all that. But that is before we started putting on the TV and the projector to it...

In order to play the TV and the projector, we sort of need a particular graphic card that allows to split the video into the following format:
  • 2 monitors, 1 TV
Sounds pretty easy, doesn't it? Well... we actually had to change the graphic card, simply because the one we first bought, was not able to split the video into the setting we wanted. Fine. We changed it. Oh! By the way! At first, there was no audio coming out of the computer (i am working as an audio engineer.. i mean... an audio station without an audio card?!). It came out that we didn't install the audio driver... (and i thought they would do it for you at Sim Lim... anyway...)

So, as a little summary.. after 1 week, we actually gave back the following items that we thought would work:
  • 1 graphic card
  • 1 audio card (we won't use it anyway, because it came out that the motherboard we bought had already an audio card. The driver needed to be installed, that's all... They (sim Lim) could have told us earlier...)
What we had to buy was:
  • 1 dual-monitor graphic card
Fine. Now comes the settings....

I have spent my entire yesterday to figure out how to get video out to the projector AND the TV. Mind you, the graphic card box had 2 adapters in it. One that was for the TV (RCA analogue adapter). In theory, that should do the work and all my little screens would be fed happily with some video input.

But no.

Somehow, the projector didn't seem to be able to get any video input. I basically ended up giving up at the end of the day, even though we managed to get the setting we wanted. The only problem was that the projector projected in red only.... So that gave me the final bell to just give up for the day...

The next morning.

I switch on the computer, thinking that everything would work now...
No. It just didn't.

Problems:
  • the second monitor didn't have any video input
  • the TV is showing fuzzy stuff
  • the projector is my second monitor instead of being the third one...
Basically ****ed up.

It is 1.20pm. I came to work at 10am. I sort of figured out the settings, but my TV is fuzzy. The images would come out, but it's just not showing it properly.
If you think the TV is faulty, it's not. I checked all connection combinations and it comes out that the only common item is the connector that came along with the graphic card....!

So, yeah... we're in the afternoon already and i still can't play any video onto my TV.

That's the setting problems i have with PC.

As for MAC, for the same price that the company put into the whole PC set up, i could have bought one big 22" screen, one TV and just plug it with adapters to the G5 PowerPC. Voila.

Thus, seriously. Is there a choice?

Comments are welcomed =)

Friday, October 27, 2006

Issues: What Is Worse?

What is actually worse when you are a parent, a family member or a friend?
  • Having a child who's gay?
  • Both your children being gay?
  • Having a child who's pregnant before 18?
  • Having a child who's pregnant by a guy who leaves her anyway?
  • Having a child who has no educational cert?
  • Having a heavily drug addicted child?
  • Lost your child by an accident or illness?
Seriously. What is worse?

More to this topic in the issue gallery.

Wednesday, June 28, 2006

Movie Review: C.R.A.Z.Y. (2005)

Rating: 5/5


Just the other day, i watched a movie with my girlfriend, that she thought was wort watching. Although the poster and the synopsis did not give me a big "YEAH!", it finally came with a bit of a delay.

This Canadian production (French) is worth going to watch. It not only shows an issue's point of view that a few gay people would be able to relate to, but also creates quiet a realistic way of "dreaming", if that makes sense. The cinematography, the special effects and the fashions are very well reinterprated. It made me remember what "ugly" trousers and fashion i used to wear back then in the 80s....

Zachary Beaulieu (Mark-André Grodin), one of the 5 sons, who is on the path to discover his inclination to the male gender in a very indirect way. By living his own world, which is being influenced by the 70s and 80s, he encounters diverse adventures with male friends and the boyfriend of his cousin. At the same time, his relationship between his father and him goes from good to very bad to very good again.
The story looks closely into how this relationship evolves and gets distroyed and to be reconsiled after the eldest of the sons dies.

The relation to the Christian ideals and believes gives the drama film a very nice and comfortable feeling, with a bit of humoristic touch, that is subtily done. The emotional level is very realistic, because i believe that every gay person in this world can somehow relate to the story and the relation one has to his or her parent. At some point of the movie, my girlfriend and I felt so moved by a particular scene, that we both started t cry quietly in our little corner of the seat, wishing for a similar ending.

Bottom line: Mark-André Grodin acts really well in his second film and his sexy look throughout all the eras between the 60s to the 80s (yum!) is worth sitting in a freezing cold cinema for 2 hours. Thus, if you get the chance to see this movie in your country, please go and have a look at this 5 times awarded drama... that's C.R.A.Z.Y.!!

Rating: M18
Consumer Advice: Mature Theme
Language: French with English Subtitles
Genre: Drama
Director: Jean-Marc Vallee
Cast: Michel Cote, Marc-Andre Groudin, Danielle Proulx

It's a story of two love affairs. A father's love for his five sons. And one son's love for his father, a love so strong it compels him to live a lie. That son is Zac Beaulieu, born on the 25th of December 1960, different from all his brothers, but desperate to fit in. During the next 20 years, life takes Zac on a surprising and unexpected journey that ultimately leads him to accept his true nature and, even more importantly, leads his father to love him for who he really is. A mystical fable about a modern-day Christ-like figure, "C.R.A.Z.Y" exudes the beauty, the poetry and the madness of the human spirit in all its contradictions.

Official Selection at Singapore International Film Festival 2006.

Awards:
13 Nominations - Quebec's Jutra Awards
Nominated - European Film Awards - Screen International Award
Won - 43rd Gijon Film Festival - Best Director
Won - 43rd Gijon Film Festival - Best Script
Won - 43rd Gijon Film Festival - Best Art Direction
Won - Young Jury Prize - Best Feature Film
Won - Toronto International Film Festival 2005 - Best Canadian Feature Film

Wednesday, May 10, 2006

News: MAC Users

Hellos to all MAC users out there in Singapore, of course...

I am sure, i am not the only one, who had to spend a lot (!) of money for MAC products *sigh*. I am also sure, that a few of you had to go for servicing and repairs of all kinds and thus, spent quite a bit of heartaching money. Now.. here is a little story that will change a bit of your.... wallet life.

Has any of you had to buy a whole new set of power cable, because it was dangling right at the tip of the charging head and all the people working at the Apple Centers said:

"Sorry ah, must buy a new set. Can't repair."?

I did. Once. It cost me S$240 *heartache*. It was my mistake for having put my laptop (17" PowerBook) on the bed edge (!) and walking pass by it, my foot got tangled in the power cable and *BANG!!*... the head of the power cable was dangling onto 1 single tiny string. *sob*. It hurt me some more to realise the financial consequences later *still crying*.

Just recently, almost the same scenario happend to me *NOOO!*. My power cable was dangling again. This time, i do not know the reason of it, because it did not fall from where ever and i did not get stuck in the cables. Just 2 days ago, it did not want to charge anymore. *heartbeat racing*

Firstly i thought there might be something wrong with my PowerBook *shreek*, but after walking into one of the Apple Centers in Singapore, it came out that it is my cable's fault... again... I almost fainted when the guy told me i had to buy a new power cable.
"S$240 AGAIN?!?!?! YOU'RE KIDDING ME?!?!" [We now know where Apple gets its money, too...!]

But thankfully to his honesty, he sent me 2 shops next to the Apple Center, where the guy there repairs all sorts of cables. I showed him my beloved dangling cable with a glimps of hope in my eyes and asked generously for a little hope of rescue.
The guy looked at me with those cruel eyes telling me that he could not repair it. A lady came out of the back of the shop giving me the same look... I started to sob uncontrollably...

Suddenly, a shiny knigth in his big posture came out of the back of the shop, looked at my poor cable dangling in my hands with such confidence. He touched it with his soft and gentle hands when he looked at me with those hopeful eyes and said:

"Can try, ah? Cannot work anymore, ah? Can cut cable, ah? Got light, ya? Ah.. ok ok.. Can cut, ya?"
I nodded with a racing heart and my tearing eyes full of hope. I watch him fiddling and tearing my cable in two pieces and more, when he suddenly said the magic word of hope:

"S$20, ok?"
"YES! Can, ya?". He nodded. "YES! CUT! Do what you want, just cut!"
My eyes were shiny and my heart suddenly felt lighter, floating in financial heaven...

It took him about half an hour, but it was worth the wait and the money. Now, my MAC is happily enjoying full power again and (!) glowing its green and orange light some more.

Thank you, oh shiny knigth!

Funan IT center, #05-03 (i think).
Basically next to the Apple Center in Funan.
He repairs almost everything that is called "a cable".

Worth it for MAC users! Literally.

Wednesday, May 03, 2006

News: Tattoo

Hello Peeps!

Well, guess what.. I have a new tattoo!! Actually... it is my first *shypretendcuteactingblinnkeyes*.

How do you like it? I love it!

Yes, it was painnful, especially her legs, because they hit my bone... but oh well.. it is an amazing tattoo! Refining will be on 14th of July... *painagain!*

*whisper* shall i do the wings with a bit of red or leave it black? a touch of red does look nice, although it is my blood on the picture... lol

Tata!

Sunday, March 12, 2006

News: Issues 3

Sitting at a cafe, listening to the ambient noise. The wind blowing in the trees around you, a bicycle passing by, the sun touching your skin softly, the typing of your keyboard or flipping of the page of your book. Birds tweeting and flying off.
What you don't hear, are cars in mass, heavy traffic in front of the cafe area, crowded area, no music or soft in the background of the cafe and people or children talking/screaming as loud as they can.

This, does not exist in Singapore. I am a fan of open cafe places with a terrasse or a balcony. I can enjoy a sip of my drink, working quietly on my stuff and enjoy my quiet moment.

I have not found it here. Not even at home. Not even when i sleep.

Quiet Singapore? Nowhere.

Read on this issue on my blog and leave me a note for any comments. Thanks!

The silent Fruit.

Friday, March 10, 2006

News: U4Ria

Ever wanted to know which sex shop has the best discreet service in Singapore? Well, my partner and i found it!

Yes, i must say that i am some kind of a "sex lover" and an experimental person. Going to a sex shop is part of a hobby and my every day life, to be really honest.

"The Quest of the Holy Sex Shop in Singapore", shall i call it.

I have searched for the best* sex shop all over Singapore for the past 5 years now. And just recently i have discovered only one, which provides the service i was looking for:
friendly discreet very knowledgable about their products not shy when informing you about the product honest and trustworthy reliable and most importantly they remember you and welcome you like you were part of their family. *all the above

Isn't that, what you were looking for too? Seriously.

My partner and i have been going there regularly, eventhough it does not mean we come out of the shop buying something, but it is just to have our regular "shopping time".

The funny girl working there is really really open and recognises us immediatly. She introduces us to the latest thing, let us try the toys (try, meaning, we can touch the toy. Don't worry.. nothing else! Hehehe), even demonstrates it on herself (if necessary) and if we ask her precise questions on how to maintain a dildo, for example, she is able to give us a few answers and possibilities on how to and what are the best products, which ones are more reasonable, etc. You tell her your budget and she will definitely not bother you with the range of products not on your financial list.

One day we asked her about lubes. We were wondering if there were any lubes that are made for sensitive skin. We tried a few before and it really started to itch my partner's private parts to the point that it started to get bad red rashes. The seller started to simpathise with us and introduced us with water-based lubes, non-flavoured and (!!) a lube which not only enhances the passion and lust, but which also can last longer than any other lube after opening. Although the price of it was 3 times more than the durex one, we used to buy at any 7/11 shops, after testing it, we must admit that it is really worth the money.
It's been a year now, since we bought it and we still can use it. The expiry date is still not arriving, the lube still works perfectly and mind you, one drop of it will do the work. Yes. Only ONE DROP. For those who are interested in this lube, check out this site for Astroglide.

For those who are still sceptical (or shy) about having a look at this sex shop, let me give you an other example.

My partner and i recently bought a strap-on and a dildo (cyberskin, very realisitc! *still amazed*). After having used only about 4 times within a month, it unfortunately broke at the base, so that it won't hold on the strap-on anymore. And because it is not very cheap (S$300) we got a bit pissed off... We just hoped that we were able to get a replacement, although we know that sex shops normally don't exchange or take back the toys (of course!). We tried our luck and went back to the shop.
We explained to this girl what happened (in details) and she was really understanding. Thank god the boss was there, so we were able to explain the situation to both. Both were really understanding and we actually received a new one! *YEAH!* We were very surprised and even more when the boss told us that he will tell Hustler about the weakness of the base of this cyberskin dildo.

This experience really made me start loving this shop. It is easy to talk sex and sex toys issues with the people from U4Ria. You guys just rock! Thanks for everything so far. You can literally say:

"You get what you want and when you want it. You'll definitely will be satisfied..."

*wink*

Your fruittilicious Sexpert

Wednesday, March 08, 2006

News: The Vagina Monologues


"Cunt Talk Now!"

Was one of the play's great sentence about vaginas.

Eve Ensler's famous Vagina Monologue play, which is being performed all over the world and which has been changing and renewing its monologue, finally got to Singapore where i was chosen to sound design the play. I felt it as being a great opportunity and biggest pleasure i could have been given (next to composing a full season of a TV show for kids, of course). From the 2nd to the 4th of March 2006 a group of NUS students decided to organise this play to as a charity to:
  • Unifem Singapore
  • Aware
  • V-Day
My jobscope was to sound design the play and do some VO for special effects. Although most of the casts were beginners, i must say, that at the last performance, they really did improve quite a bit. This is also due to the director, Loretta Tan, who is an amazing and really creative person.

Working with her was really interesting, because she not only gave me the chance to work at a play, but she also gave me a few new views on career options, which i am greatly thankful.
One thing that really made me happy, was to hear from the cast and of a few form the audience, that they not only liked the soundtracks, but some were wondering from which movie or soundtrack 2 particular songs came from. They obviously really liked my composed songs "Purpose" and "Shut Up, The Song", that i composed for the short film of Lisa Cunico "Decay" (2005). It really made my day and it also made me see that i do have potential in this line of work.

Besides that, if the paly comes to one of your hometown, go watch it! It is entertaining and funny, yet dramatic and shows you the real world in a new perspective.

Well done to everyone!! =)

The Fruit

Friday, January 13, 2006

News: Issues 2

How do we perceive music in our own culture? Why do people find music more emotional than others? Is the natural sound of life not interesting? Doesn't it evoque in you certain memories? What do you think? Have a look at my new issue blog and leave me a comment, if you have any.

Cheers,
Fruitty =)