№ 697. Boo!

 

№ 226. Percussive Halloween

I've been banging the piano for close to thirty-three years now. The piano is an old analog instrument and is considered as both percussion and string. Because of its age and unique mechanism, it offers an unparalleled range of repertoire and performance options. Perhaps this is the reason why it's called the king of instruments despite its many demands and, yes, limitations.

Last Thursday, I watched a piano recital at the Abelardo Hall. It was an academic requirement for the performer's Masters Degree in Music Performance. The recital exposed me to a side of classical music which I did not realize included pieces showcasing the piano in very unconventional, almost theatrical staging.

Halloween treat after office: free Abelardo recital

№ 50. Steve Is Risen Interface (SIRI)

Tsk, tsk. Not an iPhone 5, as many were hoping---to douse the dour mood, but a mere 4s. Regardless, the reviews are mostly glowing. Steve Jobs must be mighty smug somewhere at the pearly gates or by the black river.


Let me glow with anticipation, then. Someone from Greenbelt Apple Store told me it'll probably be available by December this year. Somebody loan me some. Quick!

SIRI, the acronym for 4S's voice command interface (aka robot assistant) has excellent feedback. I see possibilities for SIRI!

I am a kibitzer by avocation. So here's an excerpt of the Wired review, with a liberal helping of my side comments (SIRI Version 2):

№ 49. Voodoo

Meet Iya.

Iya's skin and thick dreadlocks are black from the Tayabas sun. On occasion, she serves mild tea foraged at the lush knees of Mt. Banahaw's greens.

She refuses to read palms on Fridays and Saturdays. That's when she goes to Quiapo to buy buttons from Paulo and sundry from her favorite suki.

Since Paulo doesn't accept money for the buttons, Iya gave him her striped cat, James. She wears a purple heart to remember her favorite pet.

On Sundays, you can see Paulo playing with James near Plaza Miranda. Sometimes, Iya joins them.

PS: Iya used to be a voodoo doll but she has since converted.

James the striped cat @ Mackerel

№ 44. October Rolling Into Its Dark, Hallow End

Hi there!

You're safe.
Don't worry.

Haha, I don't have Sadako
lurking in my old iPhone.

She's contained
in our old, busted, portable TV.

It's at home---
stored or abandoned somewhere.

Yes, I'm safe.

See?

No snowflakes on screen.
No static noise
or is it silence?

Regardless.

We're safe.

I hope.

I see our windows.
They're silent---
almost feral.

Shhh.

They peer into the woods.

Still, no static.

I hear only quiet sentinels.

See?

We're safe....

red fear @ makbex