May 29
I got my iPad yesterday, and so far it's just about everything I expected. My favourite app is 'The Times' - since I'm a reader of that paper anyway, having the latest edition in my hand Is great. I probably buy enough copies of the paper during the week to make it worth the 10 quid a month. It was cool this morning to wake up and instantly download the latest edition.
Some of the other magazine readers are great too - though I find it a bit frustrating that they are all slightly different to interact with. Wired magazine in particular has done a nice job - there are even 3D interactive pages in the edition I have.
I'm not blown away by 'the elements', though it is very pretty, and I like the marvel comics app,but find it somewhat frustrating to navigate. I guess that's the main sticking point so far; all these different apps do things in their own way. Only Apple's own apps are self consistent. Part of the reason for this is probably that developers couldn't play with the apps when they didn't have hardware - so they couldn't copy other designs. Of course, that does mean that there is innovation too...
I'll play some more over the weekend, and see what I think after a bit more testing.
May 10
"A game of go is symbolic of the gradual occupation of our planet by the human race. It's sides are the coasts, washed by oceans and seas. The corners can be compared to islands or peninsulas. Those parts having a greater coastline are more easily defended.
The central part of the map corresponds to the centre of continents where the inhabitants have no outlet to the sea. In the beginning, men were very few and the families or tribes had all the territory they desired without need for offensive or defensive action. They lived in a state of nature. But with the multiplication of human beings began the first struggles for the appropriation of the best places along the rivers and sea coasts. As the game develops and bases have been consolidated, advance to the interior is begun. The occupation of this territory is rendered permanent by the formation of live masses.
When the war ends peace treaties are made. All territories on the map are occupied. In one place we find large or small masses that have definitely won their territory, in another, masses living side by side respecting the rights of their neighbours whom they can never hope to dislodge.
We have not arrived, in our world, at the state of finality achieved at the end of a game of go."
From 'The Game of Wei-Chi', by Count Daniele Pecorini and Tong Shu.
Apr 9
Looking forward to our Orchestra's annual residential this weekend in Sedburgh. We're playing Bruckner and Beethoven, among other things. Should be great fun - last year I particularly enjoyed the impromptu evening music, where people just get together and play whatever they like. I just wondered around with a pint, enjoying the music...
Of course, like last year, the horn parts are in different keys and require transposing - so I'll probably be as lost as I was the last time! At least the Bruckner looks a little easier than the Berlioz (Symphony Fantastique) we did last time. Must remember to take my camera and get some shots of the orchestra, and return the Cello I borrowed - which didn't get much use; turns out that strings just don't interest me as much as wind instruments.
Feb 15
My Horn teacher held a teaching/playing day for his pupils on Saturday. For the most part it was young children, some of them much better than I! I had fun playing the low parts - since I can’t reach the high notes, and my bottom register is pretty good. I can play down low pretty well compared with more experienced players (if you don’t count my inability to keep the beat…). Stacey and the kids came along and watched the 15-strong ensemble play a couple of pieces. In a way, that made it worth it – I like to think the kids will come away with the impression that everyone just plays an instrument…
One young lad sat beside me must have been around 9 or 10 years old. He was singing and playing the notes pitch-perfect; It’s a real delight to see such talent in somebody so young. You can just tell when it’s ‘built-in’.
We did some playing without music, which is really hard for me, but I do get the sense that if I practiced that on a regular basis, I’d be much better…
Feb 12
Just got back from our first climbing course - had trouble with the knots, but great fun! I didn't expect to be putting my life in the hands of my partner holding the rope!
