At Moda

Found the original:
Just a little text to say we're enjoying a few drinks in Moda this evening, after a hectic week at the Vet school earning a few pennies.

At Moda
Originally uploaded by Cynicism.

Necro-gusto

Thought I'd try out the new feature and post a picture to blog from my phone. This is from last Sunday, when it was extremely hot and I think I got heat stroke, although I was ok later. I've managed to lose this message once already, so I think I'll keep this one short. It's a strange thing sunbathing in a graveyard- the two things really don't go together. Anyway I'm home now...

Necro-gusto
Originally uploaded by Cynicism.

Another day in Glasgow town

Well it's not just another day really. I had an amazing time last night, where we were just supposed to go out for a few short drinks and after a few cheap ones in Bunker, we made our way after very little (shame on me) persuasion out to Bamboo and stayed till after close and then to my chagrin bought chips and made our way back to the flat. Actually, I love chips in the middle of the night after you've been dancing for so long. It's the perfect energy food, as long as you don't sleep on it straightaway. We then had tea and sat up talking about nothing and more. It's great when you just don't care that you might have to get up at some point. We stayed up very very late and I got up early and went back to my flat to change for work. I almost fell asleep when I got back, and if I hadn't kept my eyes open when I got out the shower I think I'd have missed work. Oh well. As it was I made it in on time and made the most of the day. Great weather for lunch, and I sat outside with noone else about enjoying my sandwich. I sent a picture to Vera of the sheep she bought me again, this time in a different pose, and with some trees for a backdrop.

Last night before I left, I ordered my new phone. It has bluetooth and a really great camera so I'll be posting proper pictures to flickr before long. As it is, I've put a prelim set on for your enjoyment at http://www.flickr.com/photos/cynicismisforlosers/. It includes photos of family and other etc.

I just tried posting from the Google dashboard widget for Blogger and it's refusing to post. I also can't get flickr to interface with Blogger, so you'll have to wait a little longer for photo posts here. At least they'll be topical and interesting when they come.

Dull dull dull

Work work work. It seems like 5-6 is time for blogging at work since there's no calls and I don't have much better to be doing, apart from answering the occasional calls and filing a few things that come my way. Talking of this I've been put on 10-6 shifts all next week. Thank god I still have my sanity (crazy laughing).

This weekend is going to be fun, I promise. Tonight I'm going to a (some) party somewhere in town that sounds like it's going to be a laugh, at least I'll work off some of the steam from this week. Tomorrow however is the cream of the weekend - we're camping out at Sarti's for a meal in the evening, and I'm planning several courses and bottles of wine. It should be a good laugh, and it'll probably be one of the last times before the summer when most people can make it. People seem to treat food in the UK like it's an inconvenience, and when they go to restaurants it's more like it's an opportunity to show how good your taste is or talk about how much better this other restaurant is. I think it should be a social event, one where you can enjoy whatever you're eating and relax with some friends. I'm going to promote this as much as possible, at least until I realise people aren't with me and I'll have to move abroad.

I think I'm going to move home in August and enjoy the sunshine on the beach, and work a little while filling in the rest of the job applications. It seems like they've been left on the sidelines for the moment, while I desperately try to make some time for writing music. Saying that I'm off home for my mother's (sort of) leaving do on the 15th July, where she's asked me to play some easy classics for people to lounge to, and I've booked a few days either side so I can sit down and work solidly with the minimum of distractions, aside from my father asking me to hold a ladder or help him move a plant pot.

My mother retires at the beginning of July. I know it's a big step for her to move outside of the work environment. She's a veritable workaholic, and has been for many years, so changing to a totally different lifestyle is going to be a bit of a shock. She's decided to take on plenty of part-time/freelance work in education, working with teachers and providing arts-based services, workshops and seminars for schools. I think it's a really good idea as she can take as long as she wants with it, it doesn't matter where she is, and it'll give her immense satisfaction when things come together. Also, she's asked me to be a part of it so I can help her manage the more technical parts of it, including the website and the database of clients.

I think we now have a land line in the flat so I'll finally be able to call my parents for free, and make international calls for cheap cheap prices. I can't wait. I think this weekend will be spent partying, writing music and on the phone.

Last night I went to a concert at the RSAMD, where Psappha were playing a few contemporary works and some new pieces by RSAMD composers. My old teacher from Manchester was playing piano and I haven't seen him in over a year. It was good to see him but I kinda realised I left some good things behind in Manchester. He was a great teacher, and I haven't really had a teacher since and subsequently my playing just hasn't progressed at all. The concert was really top notch, the playing was superb and the pieces were very satisfying, but I came to realise that I didn't think I could write that music anymore. Although I connect with it, I would rather be writing something with more immediate aural impact. It's hard to describe, and I won't be really sure what I mean until I do it. Let's wait till the next concert and see if I can get out of some old habits.

Quick note

Internet access has been rescinded at work so I think I'll be either doing it on the sly or in mornings and evenings, if I get a minute. The ********* have also got me working 10-6 so I'm not sure I'll see the light of day in a while (given the weather over the last few days, even less likely).

But... the weekend's coming and I can't wait because according to my weather widget, it's supposed to be better weather. I may actually be doing some interesting things soon.

This morning I threw away one of my favourite shirts. I've had it for a very long time, but it seems I've stained it sufficiently, and it landed in the bin. I'll just have to make the trip and buy a new one to replace it, and maybe another if I'm feeling flush.

Yesterday I discovered Quicksilver for the Mac. I'm yet to be wowed by its incredible ease of use and mindblowing facilities, but I'll let you know when I've got it doing something interesting.

New Job and the Abyss

I've been in this post since Friday morning, and although it's a steep learning curve, I'm seriously bored. I don't mean to slate the job, but when the phone's not ringing I just don't have anything to do. Mind you it pays the proverbial bills, so I'm not complaining.

What dreadful weather! However there are several things to be happy about - the sun _will_ shine again soon, I can go home whenever I want, and the gig's going ahead on the 26th July. I'm so happy, and all I have to do is prepare a 20min improvisation, something that requires a great deal of work. Max is starting to behave (the computer program, not my dog) and it looks like I might have a real live working patch in time, with some of the features I've been trying to implement for a while. The problem is that I have to have some musical elements to fit with all these tools, so I think I'll be working on that when I go home at the beginning of July.

As for other things, Helena is back to smooth the waters and play Nintendo DS with Leasha. For all the cheapness of their appearance, and the ghastly pink cover they're quite impressive - they have wireless links, voice recognition and touch screens. Not that I think I'll be investing in one any time soon.

Looks like I'll definitely be staying in the UK after all. I'm going to apply to Goldsmiths and the Royal Academy, much to the chagrin of those supporting the Scottish music scene. I'm going to try again for New York, but it really feels like trying for a baby, what with all the paper work and stress and tests and what have you. I thought about it a bit, and I think it's best for me studying in a University, that way you have the benefit of cross-subject research, in whatever discipline you choose. That'd be especially useful if I wanted to branch more into theatre, or computer studies etc. Also Universities are great communities and the musicians tend to be a lot more 'grounded' to speak.

Anyway I'm at work and supposed to be answering the phone instead of blogging. More later.

The Illness

I'm ill. I have a 'summer' cold. Worst thing is, it's amazing weather and I don't feel like going outside, I feel so dreadful. Feel better than yesterday, and last night I went to bed at about 10 and woke at 9, in order to give me time to recover. Hopefully I'll feel better before tomorrow, when I'm supposed to be starting a job over in Anniesland.

Life is... complicated, as someone explained to me the day before. I think I'm going to stay in the UK over the next year, rather than go to Holland. It's just that I don't see much point in spending 3 years (a very long time) studying over there to get basically the same qualification as I've already got. I'd rather spend a year working and travelling and doing exciting projects rather than feel my studies weren't worthwhile. I can apply for 2007 PhDs from this September, and I'll have a better chance of securing funding etc., than if I rush over to Holland now.

Anyway I'm going to find some lunch and perhaps eat some fresh fruit, and contemplate where I could travel to next year. Definitely outside Europe, as I haven't been that far yet!

Longest train journey ever

I just wrote a really long email on this train, but managed to press the 'hang up' button by mistake instead of delete near the end, and wiped the whole lot. That makes me want to get a new phone that has decent email capability rather than this rather shoddy example, which has let me down on more than one occasion. Never mind. I was just saying that it's going to take only a little longer to finish this journey, which started at 10.30 this morning. I'm taking the train on Helena's recommendation, and so far it seems a wholly agreeable alternative, in terms of cost and ease.

Tomorrow sees the decision as to whether I get to run this Electro gig I've been planning since last... I don't remember. I'll keep you updated, but I'm sure I'll be publicising it heavily if it goes ahead anyway.

So I've been trying to decide exactly what I'm doing over the coming year. Here's the outline... Summer: try to work and save money, while enjoying the sun and trying to do some music and writing. Autumn: if I have a job in a University teaching, all the better, but if I don't, go home to Sussex and get a more lucrative job or one in Scotland that suits. Winter: survive the cold and earn money without losing my sanity. Spring: continue earning money and plan trip away if I don't have Uni job. I don't think I want to think further ahead as it makes me feel a little nauseous, but I'm going to apply for PhD starting 2007. That gives me a little time to start research into the areas I'd like to investigate with my PhD, and all the more reason for someone to give me an opportunity to do supported research. Technology in performance and interdisciplinary collaboration are the areas I'm heading towards, two areas that can overlap to some degree. Anyway this is slow without a keyboard so I'll get back to The Prince.

Star

I just saw a shooting star. Really beautiful, only lasted for a split second. Night.

Too hot with a cherry on top

It's been a while since I sat on this doorstep at night, and just listened to the sounds of the countryside and watched the stars move, and the moon change position. I kind of forgot how peaceful it can be out here. I was too hot a little earlier when I went to visit my brother, and realised I'd been wearing my jumper in this amazing heat! This evening was good- my brother and I got to talk properly for the first time in ages. It's good to sit down and chat things over, especially with someone as clear headed as my brother. He always seems to know just how to put something right in order to make it sound like it's the perfect thing to do. He has the best ideas!

Tomorrow is my last day here, and I'm dreading leaving. It's been really idyllic, the weather's been perfect, I've got literally _so_ much work done, and although I've been occasionally irritated by the parents, they haven't been too much of a bane. Perhaps I'll come back before long if I don't get any interviews or more permanent work in Glasgow. I think it's good to be here as long as I know I've got something to go back to, and at the moment I've got the flat and the prospect of some work if I look hard.

Here's the crack. I've made a preliminary decision- not a firm one but I think I might stick with it: to not go to the Hague. Bear with me- stay in Glasgow if I'm offered a job, or wherever else if there's a job in the UK. Then, apply for PhDs in all and every institution within reason, for 2007 (gulp), and then if I'm successful, save up and go travelling for March next year. Please, comments and suggestions here or via my usual email address.

There's someone at the door

Just received my train tickets for my return journey to Glasgow. I'm going to be spending the whole day on the train, which is more than welcome so I can spend time reading, composing, planning and having a great time generally. Helena has commended me because I'll be saving the environment, well not exactly saving it, but damaging it less than if I took the plane. The next day I'll be meeting someone to discuss a date and the ins and outs of the improvised electronic music gig that I've been trying to get off the ground for approximately a year. So much for promptness. I've been working at learning C++ and OpenGL this week, with half a mind to implementing them in the near future. The problem is that there are two types of interactive interfaces available - the Lemur, which is on the Cycling74 website for an obscene price, and the very much prototype interface which I'd probably have to a) build myself and b) would probably end up costing even more. Not that that would be a problem, since I'd probably have to secure funding to research this topic anyway.

So a little low-down on last week. I met Zanni at the airport. Well, I arrived and sat down somewhere I thought she might be arriving, only to discover there were no flights from Venice coming in that day. Then it slowly dawned on me that somewhere in some communication she's mentioned she would fly into Stansted, but that she's talked about Heathrow in the rest of the emails. So I decide to try to ring. Answermachine. I sit there thinking that all I can do is wait to phone her, so I send a text message to see when she turns her phone on (delivery report). Meanwhile I twiddle my thumbs in the enourmous Heathrow terminal 2. She rang from a payphone a little later and explained her phone had been stolen in Syria, that yes, she did get into Stansted, but that she would be on a bus on her way over shortly. Sigh of relief. We arranged to meet at the tube stop in Heathrow - they have buses, coaches, tubes, trains and taxis at Heathrow. Every possible way you could think of to get out of the place. By far the cheapest and easiest way to get into the quagmire that is London is to take the tube, straight along and into Covent Garden we sailed, and camped outside at a pretty dismal Pastie shop and admired the flocks of pigeons who've obviously discovered the delights of Cornish crumbs. After an expensive lunch I suggested we attempt our journey to Chichester, and we easily got to Victoria and purchased exorbitant train tickets. The journey was smooth, apart from we arrived in Bognor and were told to change, but it's not that far on the bus so we stepped outside into the rain and grey skies and camped at the bus stop, only to find after the bus arrived on time that we were outside the range for the cheaper fare, so it cost us £6 for a five minute bus journey. I think I spent more that day on travel than I've ever done and my wallet certainly felt lighter.

Merston is a dream to walk into, although when there was nothing in the fridge I was only too happy to make a trip to the indian takeaway. The weather brightened a little over the next few days, and we talked about Selva, life, Arabic, Italian vs. English, Crisma, coffee, politics and so many other things I forget. We visited my brother, sister-in-law and niece on Sunday and had a really good time. BBQs ahoy - my brother did a fine job with kebabs, burgers, sausages and all manner of pickles and breads. I feel like having that kind of feast every day. Talking of feasting I'm trying to eat as much as I possibly can while I'm here so that I don't have to worry about starving too much when I get back to Glasgow. I think it'd be good to put on some weight for a change, maybe work it off when I get back, have a fitness regime, a job and some other interests.

For now I'll continue writing the Tango and struggling with Max. Might post a score when I'm done.

Funding and the next few days

To say I'm bored would, I think, be a vast understatement. I seem to have spent approximately the last 6 hours staring at website after website dedicated to funding 'talented and creative individuals', but each of which seem to have a clause stating somewhere that 'Josh may not apply' or, more aptly, 'must be aged over 25 and resident in Wales' or 'must be undertaking study related to biochemistry' or 'closing date for applications was yesterday' or something similar. I'm beginning to think that there might not be any body which can offer funding to a UK resident wanting to do study in the Hague. This brings back memories of the scene in the Producers, and the scene in which they take bundles of cheques from the old ladies, lining up to hand them over. I only wish it was as easy as seducing a couple of old dears.

Well, I suppose I should continue the story as I've given away some of it. Saturday was spent exploring the new delights of Manchester's city centre, with part rain and part shine. Will and I talked at length about the production and what I could do, which to be honest at the moment is minimal. He has asked me to go this weekend to move faders while they're recording, but I think it's too much hassle and expense for what could be done easily by someone closer, although it would be great to see the set and meet the crew before they go into production in order to get a feel for what's going on. I found myself referring back to Ennio Morricone because of his inspired and unconventional use of instruments and technique/genre. Talk about prolific output, and quality that doesn't reflect the amount he produced. No wonder he's so much copied and imitated. Just thinking about his music's inspired me to want to create a score for Before/After like nothing else I've done before. The problem here is that I'm a little bit frustrated by the conventional approach to how the film is produced, although I don't see what else could be done. I just hate getting a cut in the post and having to write around it with a script in hand, it seems too straightforward, although arguably one works best that way. Crisma was really refreshing in the method of production, even though it turned out a little rough round the edges. So it turned out I didn't really have anything to do until post-production, unless I was interested in doing foley (not really). Suits me fine, and gives me longer to think about how I'm going to produce the music, what method I'll take and where I'll do it, what sounds I'll use. Given this amount of time and flexibility it would be worth scoring a lot of the elements in advance, and contemplating structure carefully.

We met up with Paolo and Jacopo and went to the Dutch Pancake House on St Peter's Square before going to see a production of David Mamet's Speed the Plow. I remember now why I haven't gone to the Pancake House more often, most probably because I felt like I was invading a Dutch person's front room, and although the pancakes were excellent something didn't feel relaxed although I couldn't put my finger on it - people, place or atmosphere. I realise now it was a gentle clash of sensibility across the void of language and custom, even more apparent after the Mamet finished and we adjourned to Font bar. We moved to the bar next door when we discovered how full, and how unbelievably loud it was in there. I literally couldn't hear the person next to me speak. Will left a little later and I was left with the Italians and Tom's birthday crew. We enjoyed ourselves sufficiently, and I talked at length with Paolo about the next phase of our work together - where Crisma is going and what we both felt was the next logical step. I talked about my desire to create a meld of live and improvised music, something which could be structured and sculpted at will with the maximum of user input. In other words an electronic instrument or interface through which total control could be had, and developed through the interface itself. Nothing really exists like it, and I guess it's just a dream but I'll be damned if I don't die trying. Visions should be paid strict attention to, especially if they recur. Paolo was keen on my other idea of an interactive interface allowing the public to determine the music and video's unfolding and development, whether consciously or unconsciously. Taking place in a determined place at a specific time, but with possibilities for continued or flexible performance. Hopefully Crisma II will be in the middle of a forest at night with our white aluminium and plastic box lit from inside for the audience to find. Paolo and I continued the talk the next day at what is probably my favourite cafe in Manchester, if not the world - Oklahoma. Situated in what seems like a dingy back street of the Northern Quarter, it houses The Best Electronica cd shop and a shop selling plastic tacky goods the like of which you'll never have seen. We had a pleasant lunch and several coffees and I discovered a book of the work of Sam Taylor-Wood. We relaxed for some hours and eulogised about the production, setting and what developments were in store for us. That evening after Will's flatmate cooked us vegetarian sausages (I tried to get to Somerfield but it had closed moments before) in a wine based gravy that I must try to recall the recipe for. I journeyed round the corner to meet Paolo, Jacopo and the others (Tom, Anna, Tullis and some I forget) for a drink or two before they went back to Italy and I jetted off to Holland for my interview.

All in all it was a strange but productive weekend, spending far more than I intended but having a great time. I realised that productions and projects can only really get better through discussion, thought, revision and research. Each element requires the other to function, and too much of one can mask the others and development ceases. I caught the train to London, got the tube (very straightforward) to Heathrow, and the bus to /terminal [sic] / Terminal 4. I realised I'd panicked that I wouldn't have enough time, but I arrived nearly two hours before the flight, bought a little currency. I think the woman at the bureau de change wasn't really listening to me because I ended up with €20 and not £20 of Euros. Nonetheless I still returned from Holland with plenty of spare money, so it didn't really matter. I arrived in Schiphol, caught the first train to Den Haag. They have double decker trains, with seemingly identical 2nd and 1st class compartments, all costing pretty much the same. I can only say that they have a very efficient and fast train service. I changed for Delft at Den Haag HS and met Vivian at the train station. Delft is a strange place, and resembles at first glance on Viv's side a Glasgow scheme, except what they should have looked like had they been maintained and the local community had treated them like a living environment. What crime there is in Holland is mainly bike crime, and I think the main black market traffic is in stolen bike pumps. Positively refreshing, although I heard whilst I was there the Dutch adage 'Bikes are public property, and locks a challenge'. I suppose like for like I'd prefer to replace my bike and have a safe environment to be. There are cycle lanes everywhere, and I don't just mean in the city centre. On the night after my interview we cycled into Delft and took a Bailey's Hot Choc at a nice wee bar populated by loud but well meaning students celebrating the end of term. The bike ride into town was straightforward and safe, and the bike route was marked out all the way - they even have right of way at most junctions. Viv and I talked about our approach to notation, music technology and many other things, including his philosophy of what music can do.

I suppose I should talk about the interview. I arrived in time, and Viv assured me I didn't really need to let anyone know I was there, so I just sat next to the door adjacent to a guy from... I forget. He was mighty nervous, but I maintained my cool. After a short wait a suited young gentleman from Malta came out, and after chatting briefly it turned out he'd previously studied at Napier. Strange coincidences - he'd been at the Sonic Fusion Festival the previous week and I hadn't seen him. Turns out they'd told him his work was too conservative, and eventually after pondering for some minutes they asked him back in and told him they'd offer a place on the final year of the undergrad. He wasn't exactly over the moon but I think his nerves still had the better of him. Richard Ayres poked his head out the door and beckoned me in, and I sat in the company of a large group of composition luminaries including Louis Andriessen on my right whom I didn't notice until some time into the interview. We had a good chat and I think I came over more head strong than I meant to, although they seemed to understand what I had to say. They offered me a place on the spot, although due to my words about needing to learn more in term of the 'basics', they said I should do the final year of the undergrad. I think they offer that to everyone wanting to do the VKO. I'm yet to know how I could possibly fund studying there, although this evening has led me to discover that with a residence permit I can reclaim my fees from the Dutch government. That just leaves living fees, which could be sorted through some sort of funding from the UK, although I know not what. After staying with Vivian another night, and him showing me a little of Den Haag and feeding me sufficiently, I journeyed back to England and met Zanni in Heathrow.

But the rest of that sounds like it's for tomorrow as it's getting late again. My mother is on her computer test marathon starting tomorrow morning early, so I probably won't have access for a while. First of the month.