I've returned from a brief vacation in Europe and am now back to work. I wanted to write a brief blog entry to say "what's up" to everyone who keep strack of me through this organ or communication. I was in London and Paris while away. Basically, I walked around the cities and contemplated the universe, which is similar to what I do here all the time except I'm usually in a library or in front of a computer. A short list of realizations while abroad:

1. The British Museum has taken all sorts of prized possessions and historical artifacts from all over the place. Thiefs. This goes for the Met, too, and any big museum, I suppose. The feeling of theft was particularly strong at this one, though. I was probably a wee bit sensitive going into the visit since I had just researched class conflict in 19th century England.

2. Paris is ridiculously beautiful. France, definitely a colonialist country. Yes. Definitely. But, damn it, Paris is just great. If you have read Michel DeCerteau's chapter called "Walking in the City" from his outstanding book titled The Practice of Everyday Life, then you'll know what I'm talking about when I say that in Paris, like in New York, you can walk the streets and with each step you create your entire being while simultaneously destroying yourself, over and over again. Perpetual cohesion and dissolution. If you haven't read that book, check it out.

3. Air travel is awful, unless you get a random upgrade to business class. Once you see business class, however, flying in coach is even more miserable than it was before. If you can even imagine that.

I'll return to blogging about more interesting issues pretty soon. The Pope and the Witch production is moving along and will be something to see when it opens in March. I'm starting research on martial arts. Finally. I'm teaching again and I've started a Facebook discussion for my class. If you're savvy, check it out. The group is called Thinking Theatre. Anyone can join.

And finally, Gilles Deleuze is frickin' blowing my mind in all sorts of ways. You'll definitely be hearing about that.