Between 1825 and 1832, Alexander Sergeyevich Pushkin (1799-1837) wrote his "Eugene Onegin", a wonderful serialised novel entirely in verse. Taking his cue from Pushkin's form, Vikram Seth (1952-), the fine Indian-American author, in 1986 published his marvellous "The Golden Gate", a brilliant novel of humanity in its many forms set in San Francisco. As a colophon to this mighty read, Vikram Seth says about himself: "The author, Virkam Seth, directed By Anne Freedgood his editor, To draft a vita, has selected The following salient facts for her: In '52, born in Calcutta. 8 lbs. 1 oz. Was heard to utter First ryhmes ("cat", "mat") at age of three. A student of demography And economics, he has written "From Heaven Lake", a travel book Based on a journey he once took Through Sinkiang and Tibet. Unbitten At last by wanderlust and ryhme, He keeps Pacific Standard Time." In the book, Golden Gate Bridge - 1937 - spanning San Francisco Bay - plays an important role in a conversation between two main characters on a walk they take: "They wander for a while, not saying Too much, then stroll out on the pier By Old Fort Point. Surfers, displaying Sinuous equestrianism, steer Their boards on the in-pouring rollers; On shore, the eight-year-old controllers of motley skateboards swiftly skim In competition bright and trim Past fishermen, gulls, rocks, and breakers, While high above the Golden Gate, Nestling the fort, in unornate Magnificence across the acres Of whitecapped sea, the golden span Hangs for the world to hymn and scan." What more can one say! This photo was taken from a car on its way to a small scholarly symposium at Calistoga at the top of the Napa Valley. The day was bright and beautiful, and the international signal orange of the paint - especially visible in fog - was brilliant against the blue!

I record all of my music with Ableton Live. I use this device to control filters, effects, to trigger samples, play the drums, and adjust the volume on individual tracks. It's really amazing what you can do with just a computer and a MIDI controller these days. Ableton™, a software company out of Berlin, just celebrated their 10th Aniversary. They gave all their licensed users a bunch of extra sample packs and free upgrades because they are a very generous company. Their software is also a work of art.