Return to regularity . . .

Hello:

It has been a while since my last missive. As some of you might know it has been a trying time with the thefts in Barcelona, the draconian carry-on baggage regulations, and the on-again-off-again quality of the internet here at Camargo. But, here I am . . . almost back to normal. Funny how life throws you for a loop and then you kinda have to ride the loop until one comes rightround again and ascertains his bearings. Well, things are beginning to look up. So, a story you say? Yes, let me fill you in on my doings here at THE FOUNDATION.

First of all, Cassis is beautiful. The word beautiful is trivial . . . it cannot describe it, does it no justice; idyllic, perhaps. Angela and I have been assigned a small cottage on a hill overlooking the harbor of this quaint fishing village. Now, some of us here, we fellows, have been given rustic rooms (rustic in a good way) which are perched out and over the bay. Some of our colleagues wake (as well as work and play) to a full-screen view of the Mediterranean. I am in the library now following the blue curve of the Sea's horizon with my eye. The light lends a hand as well, it never looks the same way twice.

THE FOUNDATION is a wonderful place filled with artists and researchers following their own personal whims . . . highly intelligent people they all be. We fellows rise early, swim in the sea, return to our desks, check email (when it's functioning), poke around, read a book, perhaps . . . dare I say research . . . then, return to sea-gazing. Oh, is that a small gaggle of fellows on the Chinese Terrace having a bottle of wine, perhaps some foie gras? They must be addressing personal matters of state, the modification of some thematic corralary to their Table of Contents. . . perhaps . . . ? So, Jason, what have you been doing?

Well, I just finished a fine collection of articles by that cheeky Brit Mr. Stephen Fry which is why I am writing like him. I can't seem to get this upper crust Oxford style out of my head. Witty!
So, I have been reading while I wait for that damn replacement computer to arrive. I began with Nabakov's Lolita which I had never read before . . . it is suprisingly good and a spooky examination of a very disturbed, yet highly intelligent, mind. Oh, I had seen the film adaptations of the book, but really, the book is fantastic! Then I spent a while reading Roads', The Computer Music Tutorial. . . riveting . . . I was specifically working over the FFT and its applications to the transformation of sound . . . I could go on, but that would give away the ending.

But, to get serious, after three weeks here I am finally beginning to settle in at the Camargo Foundation. It has taken awhile, but everyone reaches their point at different times. Now that I have completed the PhD (thus allowing me to, sonically, operate on people) I have come to the conclusion that this journey which began five years ago to simply escape the United States and obtain a Master's degree has really taken me a long way. So much has happened, and as I now embark on a career in investigative research, I find that I am beginning to define myself . . . putting forth the ideas which are important to me. It's a good thing.

I'm looking for a junior research post . . . should anyone come across anything in my area, let me know.

Next time: What is my area?

Til then, I remain,

jason

Update . . .

I thought for some of you reading an update would be appreciated. It's been a long three weeks. If you aren't aware, Angela and I had our Barcelona apartment broken into about three weeks ago. They took the computers and the cell phones -- these people are jerks. For me, losing the computer was not only losing a machine but data and my instrument as well. Though we've ordered replacements, the backlog at Apple will ensure that I recieve the new machine sometime in October. It's a problem . . . I can't work. I could go into the long list of how this simple theft has impacted and probably changed the course of the rest of the year for me, but I don't want to winge and whine about such stuff . . . let's just say that things are moderately fucked.

On another note, after the theft we immediately left Barcelona and ended up in Belfast again. It was wonderful to see familiar faces and places again. Thanks to the friends who offered to put us up, had us over for dinner and stored stuff for us, etc. . . . we are in your debt. Luckily I was able to print and bind my dissertation (the corrected copy sent to my examiner just days before the theft) and place it in the library, etc. So, it's all in . . . the PhD is over, call me Doctor.

Now, Angela and I are at the Camargo Foundation in Cassis, France (just southeast of Marseilles). It's beautiful here . . . I am looking forward to working when, and if, my computer ever arrives. I feel like I am just sitting around doing nothing . . . which is somewhat the case. For now, I have become a theoretical composer . . . . it's rather awful . . . Apple estimates they will get the machines to us by October . . . so we wait.

I am sure things will look up . . . I might be able to get a loaner in the meantime . . . we shall see.

I'll keep you updated.

jason