Gadgets and Grumbles
- Peter K F Cheung SBS
- Mar 9, 2025
- 3 min read
FADE IN
Act 1
INT. BEDROOM - 11:30
The long glass table and the shelf beneath it are cluttered with an array of gadgets. We see twinkles in Peter's eyes.
PETER (V.O.): What a mess. Time to tidy up.
Peter pulls out from the shelf two mini guitar amplifiers.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): I haven't used them for years.
We see a standard guitar amplifier resting on the floor nearby. Peter then pulls out an electric guitar cable.
PETER (V.O) (Cont'd): I've no idea it's there.
After placing the cable on top of the amplifier, Peter pulls out a laptop mouse, two adaptors and two remote controls.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): Well, they've hidden there for a long time!
Peter grabs a wet cloth and starts wiping down the shelf.
Act 2
EXT. ESTATE PARK - 15:30
Sunny. Families and chidren are enjoying the day. Peter walks the family turtle.
PETER (V.O.): Today isn't warm, but I got a cue from Dai Gou that he likes to stretch his legs.
Soon, they're surrounded by KIDS and their PARENTS.
KID#1: It's a turtle!
PARENT#1: I didn't know it can walk that fast.
PETER (V.O.): He's got a good pace, just like me getting things done.
KID#2: Let me race against it!
PARENT#2: Be careful not to step on it accidentally.
PETER (V.O.): That's my worry. I don't want Dai Gou to undergo any operation.
Gazing at Dai Gou, a WOMAN talks to Peter.
WOMAN: It's a male, right?
Peter just nods.
PETER (V.O.): I choose not to mention that his wife passed away two years ago.
WOMAN#1: Can I take a picture of him?
PETER: Sure!
PETER (V.O.): Charm comes in many forms.
INT. STUDY - 16:45
Messy. Peter grabs his Nokia 6.1 plus.
PETER (V.O.): It has been operating at a snail's pace.
Recalling.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): My mobile repair technician suggested that the CPU might be malfunctioning...but I read that clearing the cache could help.
Grabbing his iPhone, Peter types: How to clear cache in an Android phone?
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): Since I bought it in 2018, I've never cleared its cache.
Peter studies the research result.
PETER: Setting - App - Storage - Clear cache.
When Peter taps "Clear cache", his old Nokia becomes non-responsive.
PETER (V.O.): I acknowledge that digital decluttering also demands a certain level of technical effort.
INT. LIVING ROOM - 20:00
Opening his laptop, Peter navigates to his blog on Wixsite.
PETER (V.O.): For several weeks now, the featured images of my blog posts disappeared after publication.
Opening a chat window for help, Peter types his problem.
PETER (V.O.): I hate to chat with the AI bot again. It's perspective has been that it's a localised problem.
After reviewing the details of the responses, Peter copies his url address and takes a screenshot. He hesitates for a moment before asking the AI bot another question, to which he receives a response.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): OMG, you asked me to take a screenshot and now you're saying there's no way to attach it!
After expressing his grumbles in writing, Peter gets a reply.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): And you're directing me to another AI bot?
After receiving a standard response from another AI bot, Peter finds that he can't engage in further communication with it.
Act 3
INT. BEDROOM - 22:00
Peter inserts an AI drawing titled: "Gadgets and Grumbles..." to a draft on his laptop.
PETER (V.O): Gadgets can simplify life, but they often challenge my patience. I'm fortunate to be transitioning from Wixsite to Strikingly.
Thinking.
PETER (V.O) (Cont'd): Every gadget shines in its own way, but the grumbles remind me of the process. of integrating it into my life.
Reflecting.
PETER (V.O) (Cont'd): The best techonology is the one that operates seemlessly, leaving no room for grumbles.
FADE OUT
END
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