Gave a presentation on Lejaren Hiller's "Illiac Suites" String Quartet 4 today. It's interesting because it was the first computer aided composition. There's a few blurbs on the web about it. Put simply, it generates random notes and subjects them to scrutiny according to laws ranging from traditional counterpoint to twelve-tone serialism. How well does this model the human capacity for composition? Do we pick random values and then guage them by the rules? There's elements of that. We can make choices to create exceptions to the conventional guidelines. Can a computer decide to do so, and would it know how to make a good choice? What's the goal?

I am becoming more interested in investigating the sounds that accompany Vajrayana practice. The idea behind music in that sense is liberation upon hearing. Sound as liberation, not enjoyment. I don't think enjoyment is primary in Western music's tradition. It is something more akin to aesthetics, structurally so as well. Can't put my finger on it...
posted by Ngawang Zangpo at Tuesday, September 25, 2001

On the way to the center last night, I found out that there is an extensive construction project beginning. During the teachings, I will be driving I-10 every day for the next three weeks, mostly at rush hour on weekdays. There are no alternate routes of any worth. It's like watching literal obstructions being erected.
posted by Ngawang Zangpo at Monday, September 24, 2001

Here's a letter to George Bush from the Dalai Lama. I agree with him.

I'm upset that very little mention of our history in the Middle East is on the news lately. Not very good with lots of calls for WAR.

I watched all day on the web, and thought that more attacks were forthcoming. There was a strange transition as the chatter started increasing, as the experts were brought in, and as the news prattled on.

Here's Hunter S. Thompson's reaction. .
posted by Ngawang Zangpo at Friday, September 14, 2001