I've been playing this on my computer for the past three days now....
Audacity, the free (MP3) sound editor
Thanks to Fat, for recommending me this nice freeware.
In an attempt to amuse (and pacify) the kids, I've been downloading children songs from YouTube. Most of the songs come from classic Sesame Street episodes (like the baker's number song), Thomas tank engine music, and various theme songs from Disney channel shows.
I also noticed that Nika loves to listen to contemporary/classical Chinese music. Perhaps the rhythm or the tone of the music relaxes her, making her fall asleep much faster.
Now that I have downloaded a bunch of music files, I noticed that the sound quality of each file is different. Some MP3 have a lower volume range, while other have a higher pitch. It is difficult to play the songs as a set because I have to adjust the sound settings every time a new music is played.
One of my fellow instructional designers suggested that I use Audacity to fix the sound files. She gave me a 2.1 MB copy of the program and I quickly installed the editor in my desktop.
The GUI of the program reminded me of an old program I use to work on. For a freeware program, Audacity works well as a sound editor. I was able to adjust the volume and audio settings of all my MP3s into a standard, playable level.
My only complain is that whenever you edit an MP3 file, the program converts the file into another file type. To re-convert the file back to MP3, you have to download and install another program. It's a minor hassle, since you are working with freeware programs and the output is good.
In an attempt to amuse (and pacify) the kids, I've been downloading children songs from YouTube. Most of the songs come from classic Sesame Street episodes (like the baker's number song), Thomas tank engine music, and various theme songs from Disney channel shows.
I also noticed that Nika loves to listen to contemporary/classical Chinese music. Perhaps the rhythm or the tone of the music relaxes her, making her fall asleep much faster.
Now that I have downloaded a bunch of music files, I noticed that the sound quality of each file is different. Some MP3 have a lower volume range, while other have a higher pitch. It is difficult to play the songs as a set because I have to adjust the sound settings every time a new music is played.
One of my fellow instructional designers suggested that I use Audacity to fix the sound files. She gave me a 2.1 MB copy of the program and I quickly installed the editor in my desktop.
The GUI of the program reminded me of an old program I use to work on. For a freeware program, Audacity works well as a sound editor. I was able to adjust the volume and audio settings of all my MP3s into a standard, playable level.
My only complain is that whenever you edit an MP3 file, the program converts the file into another file type. To re-convert the file back to MP3, you have to download and install another program. It's a minor hassle, since you are working with freeware programs and the output is good.
Happy 1st Birthday, Basti!
Met up with the guys at my God-son's first birthday party. I brought Aaron with me, while Jen had to stay at home to take care of Nika. It was a fun, entertaining, and tiring afternoon. At least everyone got charged up with the food, the games, and all the sugary sweets (cakes, ice creams, and cotton candies).
Seeing all the kids run around and play made me remember some of the birthday parties I attended back when I was just a boy. The most of the party games are still the same (with the pinata and the dangling wood board filled with toys). It's fun to see your kids enjoy the same toys and games that you enjoyed back when you were still a child.
Arranging parties are definitely a challenge and I think Sunshine did well. The food was wonderful -- from Sotanghon, fried lumpia, chicken pastel, and fish fillet for the adults... to the traditional spaghetti, barbecue, and chicken lollipops for the kids.
I'm amazed to see Basti grow so fast. He looks more mature, more attentive and curious about his surroundings. I'm sure he'll look back on this day (through the videos and pictures), and see how much his parents and family love him.
I took the opportunity to tell Chris and Ching that they'll be Nika's god-parents. Both took the news well and I told them that we'll be setting up for the baptismal ceremony this coming summer (perhaps Holy Week, during the Easter vigil).
It has begun...
So today marks the start of the political campaign period... for better or worse. I'm expecting more circus freak shows to happen in the next few weeks, like the one with Mo Twister and Ara Mina. The poor woman should stick to what she does best.
What's even more tragic is the fact that there are other actors/political wannabes who are running for office. I'm picturing a future where showbiz and politics would mesh even more... More billboards of senators endorsing popular product brands and more politicians starring in their own blockbuster movies.
Speaking of billboards, I'd have to bear with the horror of seeing more ugly faces plastered on the walls and phone posts everyday.
What's even more tragic is the fact that there are other actors/political wannabes who are running for office. I'm picturing a future where showbiz and politics would mesh even more... More billboards of senators endorsing popular product brands and more politicians starring in their own blockbuster movies.
Speaking of billboards, I'd have to bear with the horror of seeing more ugly faces plastered on the walls and phone posts everyday.
Nostalgia Music
I blame Jay for this.... posting video clips of old Chinese music on Facebook. I'm now stuck listening to 蔡琴's music. This is kind of music I grew up listening to, at home with my parents. They'd always play music from the popular Taiwanese singers of the 70s and 80s.
I'm amazed at how old Taiwanese pop music get their inspiration from old Japanese pop music (and also the other way around). Despite the language and cultural differences, there are still certain common things that bind different cultures together. 流水年華 is actually a Chinese version of the Japanese song あなただけを.
I'm amazed at how old Taiwanese pop music get their inspiration from old Japanese pop music (and also the other way around). Despite the language and cultural differences, there are still certain common things that bind different cultures together. 流水年華 is actually a Chinese version of the Japanese song あなただけを.
More Sketches...
It's been almost a year since I started sketching again. I could say that I made some progress in developing a regular habit of drawing... but I need to practice more...
The Big 'C'
A few days ago, I just learned that a good friend of mine was diagnosed with level-4 spinal cancer. It had been years since we last talked. Both of us were busy with work and family, living out our lives – mundane and monotonous as it can be.
He had been trying to reach me months ago, but I was preoccupied with Jen and her pregnancy. We eventually got to talk over the phone. At first I thought he was simply making a call to catch up and touch base. He spoke about his work at school and the healing ministry. He was a former Seminarian who was a few months away from being ordained as a priest. Taking the rejection as a sign from God, he focused his energy on counseling work, helping with the sexually-abused and the emotionally-wounded in their path to recovery.
I told him about my nineteen-month old son and two-week old daughter. He congratulated me, saying that he was happy and proud of what I had achieved. I then asked him how he was doing. He laughed and casually replied saying that he was diagnosed with terminal cancer last January 3.
It took a few minutes for the news to sink in. I wasn’t expecting something like this to happen to him. How could he get terminal cancer in such a short time? Why didn’t the doctors do anything to fix the problem?
He calmly assured me that he was feeling okay. The pain medications he was taking help numb the pain. I asked if he was taking treatments to control or destroy the cancer cells. He said that it was already too late for treatments.
Part of me felt frustrated and angry. I wanted to help my friend fight his illness, but what could I do? The doctors said he only had a month to live, two if he is lucky. Unable to offer anything else, I simply said that I’d pray for him and pray that he’d have the strength to bear this final cross.
He thanked me for the prayers and told me that he was at peace with God and was ready to meet him. There was no bitterness or anger in his voice. He jokingly said that dying has kept him busy. He was fully-booked, wrapping things up and fixing all his business here on Earth before leaving.
Eve after our conversation, I still struggled to make sense of what had happened. Why did this have to happen to him? He was a good person and deserved something better. But I guess his death would deliver him to a place that is more magnificent and wonderful than anything we have in this Earth.
I could not help wonder if I were the one who was dying. Would I have that same serene acceptance he had? Would I have the courage to face death and let go of the people I love?
He had been trying to reach me months ago, but I was preoccupied with Jen and her pregnancy. We eventually got to talk over the phone. At first I thought he was simply making a call to catch up and touch base. He spoke about his work at school and the healing ministry. He was a former Seminarian who was a few months away from being ordained as a priest. Taking the rejection as a sign from God, he focused his energy on counseling work, helping with the sexually-abused and the emotionally-wounded in their path to recovery.
I told him about my nineteen-month old son and two-week old daughter. He congratulated me, saying that he was happy and proud of what I had achieved. I then asked him how he was doing. He laughed and casually replied saying that he was diagnosed with terminal cancer last January 3.
It took a few minutes for the news to sink in. I wasn’t expecting something like this to happen to him. How could he get terminal cancer in such a short time? Why didn’t the doctors do anything to fix the problem?
He calmly assured me that he was feeling okay. The pain medications he was taking help numb the pain. I asked if he was taking treatments to control or destroy the cancer cells. He said that it was already too late for treatments.
Part of me felt frustrated and angry. I wanted to help my friend fight his illness, but what could I do? The doctors said he only had a month to live, two if he is lucky. Unable to offer anything else, I simply said that I’d pray for him and pray that he’d have the strength to bear this final cross.
He thanked me for the prayers and told me that he was at peace with God and was ready to meet him. There was no bitterness or anger in his voice. He jokingly said that dying has kept him busy. He was fully-booked, wrapping things up and fixing all his business here on Earth before leaving.
Eve after our conversation, I still struggled to make sense of what had happened. Why did this have to happen to him? He was a good person and deserved something better. But I guess his death would deliver him to a place that is more magnificent and wonderful than anything we have in this Earth.
I could not help wonder if I were the one who was dying. Would I have that same serene acceptance he had? Would I have the courage to face death and let go of the people I love?
Song of the Day (Belle of the Boulevard - acoustic version)
Love the lyrics... love the instrumentals...
Good bye Sir Bobby...
I just learned that one of my Psychology professors at DLSU had just passed away. Sir Bobby was one of the best teachers I had in my stay at La Salle. He was both an inspiration and a friend to his students.
Sir Bobby was our GenPsych (General Psychology) professor and he exposed us to the wonderful aspects of the human mind. He wasn't one of those terror teachers who use fear or force to make students learn. His unique teaching style made us laugh, learn, and love the study of human behavior.
What made him more special was the fact that he made an effort to connect with his students. I remembered that he was the only teacher who showed up on our class Christmas party, he came and shared his time with us (when he could have been doing something else more important).
I was fortunate to have him again for two of my classes and as a panelist for our undergrad thesis. He had a hearty appetite and demanded that we serve him cheesecake and coffee (while we did our presentation).
Sir Bobby is a one-of-a-kind teacher who would surely be missed by his students. I thank him for his kindness and generosity, and for making my college experience a memorable one.
Sir Bobby was our GenPsych (General Psychology) professor and he exposed us to the wonderful aspects of the human mind. He wasn't one of those terror teachers who use fear or force to make students learn. His unique teaching style made us laugh, learn, and love the study of human behavior.
What made him more special was the fact that he made an effort to connect with his students. I remembered that he was the only teacher who showed up on our class Christmas party, he came and shared his time with us (when he could have been doing something else more important).
I was fortunate to have him again for two of my classes and as a panelist for our undergrad thesis. He had a hearty appetite and demanded that we serve him cheesecake and coffee (while we did our presentation).
Sir Bobby is a one-of-a-kind teacher who would surely be missed by his students. I thank him for his kindness and generosity, and for making my college experience a memorable one.
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