Remixed: Twilight

Thanks to Teru for using this sample (from Twilight 2008).

Very different, and very cool, interpretation. Hmm, I think I’ll try a re-remix!

Reinstalling Mac OS X

Have been using my Mac for almost 2 years now, straight from the box. Somehow I perceive more “spinning beachballs” each time I start my Mac. Decided to try a reinstall (I’m not sure if it’ll improve things but since I’ve never done a reinstall before, might as well learn how).

From docs.info.apple.com:

1. Insert the Mac OS X Install Disc and double-click the Install Mac OS X icon.
2. Follow the onscreen instructions. In the panel where you select the destination disk, select your current Mac OS X disk (in most cases, it will be the only one available).
3. Click Options. If you want to save your existing files, users, and network settings, select “Archive and Install,” then select “Preserve Users and Network Settings.” If you want to erase everything on your computer and reinstall Mac OS X, select “Erase and Install.” You can’t recover erased data.
4. Click Continue.
5. Click Customize to select which parts of Mac OS X you’d like to install, or click Install to perform a basic installation (recommended).

[Screenshot from Mac Help]

And from support.apple.com “How to back up and restore your files“:

Regardless of which method(s) you choose, you should store at least one copy of your backup outside the computer to guard against common risks such as theft or power issues, including lightning. You may also wish to store a copy of important data at a second site to guard against property destruction, such as fire and natural disasters.

OK, I bought an external drive and copied all the important files. For some “ultra-important” files (like my GarageBand songs!) I’ve even burned to a DVD.

Links to plug-ins and apps (to download first, so that they can be reinstallation right away):

• Nokia E71 iSync plug-in (europe.nokia.com/mac/isync)
• XNJB (www.versiontracker.com/dyn/moreinfo/macosx/26624 | www.wentnet.com/projects/xnjb)
• Skitch (www.plasq.com)
• Flickr uploaders
• Yamaha USB-MIDI driver
• Wacom Tablet driver – www.wacom.com | www.macupdate.com
• VLC
• Firefox | Zotero
• Burn
• Adium

Related How To guides:

• www.apple.com – Mac OS X v10.4 Tiger (includes details like “How to backup and restore your files“,
• www.dummies.com – Installing (or Reinstalling) Mac OS X Panther
• www.dartmouth.edu – Reinstalling Mac OS X
• Otterman and a Mac (some product links don’t seem to work though, but I found Siva’s instructions practical.

Poem: Sameness

Sameness
——–
I fear
I dread
That everyday will be the same.

So I escape
Into anything
And everything that makes me unafraid:

Music
Movies
Books
Dreams –
If only for the moment.

I need
I crave
For someone to talk to

But fear
Is that awkward glue
That seals my mouth into silence.

So I escape
Into everything
That is the same.

Ivan Chew
Jan 2009

Drafted this back in 2006 and only rediscovered it as I was clearing out my harddisk today. Decided to clean up and tighten a few lines and posted it. Not perfect. I feel there’s something not quite smooth to the flow. Ah well.

The poem was inspired by The Reflective Teacher, from this para near the end:

“So I’ll start off the whole shebang with a statment like: Every day is the same. And let the student create the rest of the writing.”

The moment I read “Everyday is the same”, I started to pen down the words. You can say it’s a fictitious piece inspired by real-life elements.