New Year's Eve:
Looking for some robot love to ring in the new year? Come down to Omar and Jenny's latest shindig tonight. It's all happening at Club Fake's New Year's party featuring SF's own Gold Chains and Ghost Orchids playing live. It's all happening at the Border Cantina, 1192 Folsom (right next to the Cat Club).

If you're a robot living in the Seattle area, I'm looking for a link or URL or any information about a local band called "Fitness". E-mail me if you have any information.

Department store window, Shibuya, Tokyo.

Just back in town from travel. Got all my shopping done, and I’m prepped for the holidays in record time this year. One plan not nailed down just yet is New Year’s Eve. Astute observers will notice that the Club Fake website is down, and has been for quite some time. I’m supposed to call Omar from Fake this weekend to discuss some business, so I’ll ask what’s going on with the website and if there’s any goings on, I’ll be sure to post it here. In the meantime, I’ll probably keep the other NYE invitees on hold until I survey all my options.



In other news, I just finished designing a postcard for Sarah, and her Fluxus Experience event on 2.20.03 at Printed Matter Bookstore in NYC. We’ll be flying out for the event (well, her more for the event, and me more just to hang out in NYC in freezing weather). I’m excited – it’s been at least 2 years since being in NYC, and there’s a lot of new buzz to catch up on, and old friends to reconnect with – it should be a blast.

We apologize for any technical difficulties and hope to correct them soon. Link courtesy of Michael at Burnlab.

You knew they would "emerge" sooner or later. Uh-huh, that's right. Its FISHYSPOON, the Fischerspooner cover act. Courtesy of Lester.

Looking for a last minute gift item that isn't official irobotnik branded merchandise? Then try Froogle, a new service from Google that makes it easy to find information about products for sale online.

In case you were wondering, yes, the thongs are for real. Get yours now! Also, this just in, check out the new video clip from Robots in Disguise, "ARGUMENT" (QuickTime required) here.

Just 2 days left to order your official iRobotnik branded paraphernalia in time for holiday delivery from the iRobotnik online store. Get quality items, like the 100% cotton and 100% cute iRobotnik thong.

For no particular reason other than the fact it was fun to put together, here's my gift wish list.

I know I've gushed before, but I have to gush again, "Ich liebe amazon". I just rec'd my latest shipment from amazon.de, the German counterpart to our stateside amazon.com. I picked up some new CDs, and some stuff to fill my back catalouge:

- Toktok vs. Soffy O. - Toktok vs. Soffy O.
- David Carretta - Le Catalogue Electronique
- Ural 13 Diktators - Techno is Dead
- The Hacker - The Next Step of New Wave
- Robots in Disguise - Robots in Disguise

Viel musikalischer Spaß!

So after all my planning and scheming, I hardly left the house this weekend. I didn't even go out Friday night. Maybe it was the fact that I decided to get up at 5 a.m. Saturday to go to the DWR sample sale in search of furniture goodness. And it paid off for me.

I snagged the sofa I've been lusting for 2 years now, the Eames Sofa Compact for an amazing 40% off. Sure, even at 40% it'll still put a Barcalounger-sized dent in your pocketbook, but I'm a happy customer with no buyer's remorse. It's gorgeous, in great shape ("smoke" color) and looks stunningly beautiful in the modernarium otherwise known as Casa de BitBoy.

This looks so fun! Thanks for the link, Riley.

Weekend plans? Glad you asked. Since the Soft Cell concert that was scheduled to play at the Warfield Friday night has been canceled for "unspecified reasons", we've had to rethink the evening's escapades. I believe the best entertainment will be found by first stopping by Rawhide for some 'ol skool sounds at New Wave City, then heading over to Club Fake around the witching hour to hear Tiga perform. See you there.

Booooo.

First there were sirens. Then I spotted the billowing thick brown smoke.



About 12:30 this afternoon, a terrible fire broke out in San Francisco's Mission district at approximately 17th and Guerrero St., and I watched it all happen. From the moment I heard the sirens, to the time the fire fighters finally put out the blaze, I sat in my office looking out my window, hoping nobody was hurt, and cringing from the knowledge that one or more of my fellow SF denizens would get a call with tragic news, or arrive home to find that "home" no longer existed. Luckily, according to SF Gate, no injuries were reported but over 20 residents were displaced as a result of the blaze.

I was able to snap some pictures, located here, and they’ll serve as a visceral reminder this holiday when I’m asked what I’m thankful for.

Michael at Burnlab posts:

The Electraglide festival at Makuhari Messe [where the Tokyo Motor Show is held] happens Friday, Dec. 13th and features Kraftwerk and Squarepusher. Kraftwerk and Squarepusher!

Any Tokyo Robots attending, please send me links to your pictures.

I’m still recovering from just a few too many Stoli Vanil and sodas (be careful what you wish for!) at my b-day celebration at Club Fake. Reuben from Ladytron put on a great set. Also, prior to Reuben going on, Kat put on a rockin set of her own (go girl), apparently you can hear her spin Thursdays at the Arrow Bar on 6th Street. As always, here are some pics from the night’s escapades.



To assist in my recovery, I had some chips to cash in thanks to Sarah’s generous gift of the “bliss” therapeutic massage package at Kabuki Hot Springs (heaven), then a much needed trip to Mani-Pedi to beautify the ‘ol digits. It felt so good, so necessary, I thought I just might purr. Thanks, Sarah.

One-one, two-two, three-three.
Don't forget to venture out this Friday to Club Fake to wish yours truly happy birthday. Oh yeah, and while you're at it, you'll be able to enjoy beats by Reuben from Ladytron. So come on out, and if you're buying there's no need to ask, a Stoli Vanil and soda is just dandy.

Oh no Pee-wee. I hope your defense isn't, "I know you are but what am I?".

SF Robots: Don't miss the opportunity to see the ultra-cool Brezel Göring and Françoise Cactus, collectively known as Stereo Total tomorrow night at Slim's. Guaranteed to be lots of fun.

Thinkblank is sponsoring their Secret Santa gift giving program again this holiday season. All you need to participate is an Amazon wishlist. You tell Santa a little about yourself and then on December the 10th you find out who you're buying a present for. Check it out here.

Sometimes a web site outshines the product it represents. Such is the case with Quicksilver Watches. Beautiful site. Ugly watches (besides model "S TRECK LED", which I sort of appreciate for it's retro appeal).

Speaking of web design, Macromedia's newly announced Contribute software looks pretty revolutionary. A simple, elegant way for designers to enable end users to manage their content. Rack up another hit for Macromedia.

And speaking of revolutionary things, check out Sharp's latest sheet computers. Microprocessor circuitry applied directly to a glass that will enable the production of futuristic ultra-thin 'sheet computers,' and 'sheet televisions. Cool.

If you weren't at Club Fake's Mount Sims performance on Friday, you missed out on big fun. Great tunes complimented by sexy choreography, x-rated corn dog consumption and even a speaker-headed dancer.



Don't fret though, if you did miss the show you can at least check out this multimedia slideshow complete with soundtrack (QuickTime required, 8MB).

If your're in San Francisco, don't miss with Mt. Sims tonight at Club Fake:

Mt. Sims
At the Cat Club
1190 Folsom at 8th
Doors open at 10pm.

Levi's RED has the latest Donald Graham photos online, which are also appearing in this month's PAPER magazine, including Ladytron, Princess Superstar and the girls from W.I.T.

Oooh. This looks fun.

Don't forget to head over to Justice League tonight to check out David and James (better known as UK electropop duo Swayzak).

Plus 4 additional live performances by Signer, Chessie, Nein Volt and Broker / Dealer. More info on the show can be found here.

Yet another stroke of genius for Target. First it was Starck, now Tar-jay and brings us an exclusive Memorex design reminiscent of the beautiful plastic telephones and radios produced by Japan’s National Panasonic in the 1970s.

The Videoball TV is not only a gorgeous compliment to your Kartell Plastic or Verner Panton interior, it's functional with all the necessary inputs and remote control, and affordable at under $120.

Speaking of Peaches, see her raunchy new video for "Set it Off" here.

Mike, whom I briefly met at Sunday night's electroclash concert has a great account of his experience there. Go Mike!

For your Halloween viewing pleasure, bat.

I think I've finally recovered from the weekend's electroclash fun and festivities (I know, I know, for some of you this is all old news, but cut us left coasters some slack - it's new to us).

Anyhow, I had a great time, and met some really nice people including Tommie Sunshine, Melissa from W.I.T. and Peaches. Everyone was super friendly and seemed to be enjoying their time in San Francisco. By Sunday night, the energy that had built up all weekend finally exploded in an charged performance by W.I.T., Chicks on Speed and Peaches at the legendary Fillmore. Not surprisingly, S.F.'s electro-starved masses ate it up and clamored for more. Hopefully the success of this sold-out festival will spur more interest in live electro performances here in the city. Until then, we'll continue to rely on performers like Cybrid, and events by Club Fake to keep the scene in motion.



I snapped lots of pictures, some of which are posted here, be patient while the photos load (1MB).

More F.A. Porsche designed VPR Matrix images.

Unlikely bedfellows, perhaps, but Porsche design has teamed up with retailer Best Buy to offer what looks like one heck of a sweet Windows notebook computer. Look out VAIO, there's a Porsche in your rear view mirror.

Inquiring electro minds want to know what's going on for the next two weeks in San Francisco, and as usual, we've got a full agenda for faithful robots:

Friday, 10.25.02
Club Fake @ Cat Club
1190 Folsom Street
(between 7th and 8th)
DJ Unknown (of Fischerspooner fame)

Saturday 10.26.02
Terry Lee and Tommie Sunshine
111 Minna St. Gallery

Sunday 10.27.02
Electroclash
The Fillmore
Electroclash featuring Peaches, Chicks on Speed, W.I.T. (Whatever it Takes), Tracy & The Plastics and Larry Tee

Sunday 11.02.02
Swayzak
Justice League
(Divisadero @ Hayes Street)

I'm still looking for an electro event to attend on Halloween, so e-mail me with your suggestions.

SF Denizens, don't forget, Electroclash is coming to the Fillmore on Sunday, October 27th. This is one of the rare instances to relish in what has been going on on the right coast over the past two years. Featuring Peaches, Chicks on Speed, W.I.T. (Whatever it Takes), Tracy & The Plastics, Larry Tee, it's sure to be San Francisco's electro event of the year!

2002 Depeche Mode Convention – Sunday, October 13 – 7pm-1:01am at The Palace, 1735 N Vine Street, Hollywood. Cover bands, DJs and ultra rare videos, courtesy of Chad Clark.

Hacker by Anthony Rother is seriously rocking my world right now. I love it!

I've officially started my Japanese lessons at Soko Gakuen, a private Japanese language school here in San Francisco. Incidentally, "Soko" means San Francisco. The spoken text is coming along nicely, but the written text is taking me some time to figure out. Luckily I've found Bryn's handy Hiragana and Katakana online flashcard system to quiz myself. Check it out if you're interested in learning Japanese. Well worth the $.25 PayPal donation.

Add Swayzak's new album, Dirty Dancing to your "must buy" list. Excellent tracks by Adult. and other electro faves.

Some great pictures of the Memory Systems + Bunker World Tour live electronics, September 17, 2002: Luxx, Williamsburg Brooklyn, NY. Courtesy of Michael at Burnlab.

Need to work out some agressions? Maybe this is for you.

This weekend was an incredible new music orgy at the local CD shoppe. Notably, iR readers should run out and buy the following albums:

- Ladytron - Light & Magic
- Mount Sims - Ultra Sex
- Anthony Rother - Hacker
- Komputer - Market Led

I'll post a more comprenensive overview soon, for now check the links.

Wow. According to BBC News, people will soon be given access to knowledge from one of the world's foremost technology institutes, MIT, for free over the internet.

"There will be no online degrees for sale, however. Instead, it will offer thousands of pages of information, available to anyone around the globe at no cost, as well as hours and hours of streaming video lectures, seminars and experiments. Our hope and aspiration is that by setting an example, other universities will also put their valued materials on the internet."

The implications of this are so profound, I'm not sure what to think. One thing is for sure, I'm excited to give it a try.

The revised, expanded, fully up-to-date illustrated manual of contemporary American sign language, sometimes referred to as "finger spelling" here, courtesy of Lester.

Had the pleasure of spending the weekend at Downtown LA's uber-hip hotel, The Standard. It was everything I expected plus some. Besting the already fun Standard Hollywood, the Downtown LA Standard features a fantastic lobby complete with outdoor seating and DJ performing nightly, but the real fun is under and among the stars at their amazingly beautiful rooftop deck. Sporting a full bar, pool, DJ, dance floor, the best in 70's Italian plastic furniture, and the gorgeous nighttime LA skyline, it's the most fun I've had at a club in a long time. The people were friendly and, as you'd expect at LA's trendiest, gorgeous. If you find yourself in LA, don't miss it.

P.S. Only regret: Getting to LA a day too late to check out Club Synthetic

Remember the Sleeper house? Designed by architect Charles Deaton, and featured in Woody Allen's film Sleeper, it's had fallen into a horrible state of disrepair until being rescued by John Huggins for $1.3 million. Now it's finally been completed to the original architect's vision and lovingly restored. Nice to see one of mid-century modern architecture's unique assets saved.

In a garage far, far away...

Sometimes it seems like nothing at all has changed in the 25+ years since I was 6 years old...

One day, My six year old son, Lucas heard me playing one of their (Adult.'s) songs. "What is that?!" he asked excitedly "It sounds like robots!!!" A few seconds later, three year old son, Nolan came in to hear what his big brother was all beside himself about. "Robots?" he charges in the room asking. Again at the at the top of his lungs he belts "ROBOTS?!"

I could hang out with this kid all day long. Read 6 year old Lucas' brilliant interview with Adult. here.

More than just nostalgia, Atarti's Adventure was a darn fine game. Now you can play it online.

Feeling blue? Lester at yeahtotally.net has the right combination of pep and musical goodies to turn your frown upside down. Check it out.

Word on the street is that Ladytron is close to releasing their new album 'Light& Magic'. If you're in the UK, you can hear them play on the Boutique Stages at the upcoming Reading Festival on Friday, August 23rd at 4.50 p.m., or at Leeds Festival on Saturday, August 24th at 4.20 p.m.

So I’ve taken the plunge and purchased the new Apple PowerMac. It arrived last Friday and despite rumors and conspiracy theories that the new PowerMacs are nothing more than a fancied-up, redressed Quicksilver boxes (since when did the Quicksilver models become the pariahs of the Mac world?) , I’m satisfied with it’s overall performance, especially considering I only have 256MB of RAM at the moment. It doesn’t seem overwhelmingly faster than my dual 450 MHz box I use at work, but then again, I’ve always been impressed with the sheer muscle and performance of that machine (especially considering it’s nearly 2 years old). Right now I’m knee deep in digitizing my entire music collection using iTunes 3 (1861 songs, and 10.67GB so far) so I can really take advantage of the Slim Devices controller I purchased a few months back. I’ve been testing it and the Slim Server running under OS X and I have to tell you, it’s beyond sweeeet. I’m gleefully looking forward to having every song I’ve ever loved at my fingertips.

Dasboot.org is an interesting collection of art, architecture and design with a rather annoying penchant for irritating sound effects.

After relentless pestering by friends and readers of this very log, and seemingly endless procrastination for no particular reason other than I always forgot to look for it at the video store, I finally rented and watched Slava Tsukerman's 1982 cult classic Liquid Sky. While not by any stretch of the imagination can it be considered a "good" movie, it was certainly chock full of great 80's New Wave visuals, and features Adrian's fabulous rendition of "Me and My Rhythm Box" which would, almost twenty years later, be resurected and revived by Adult. on their album Resuscitation. Although Tsukerman's inane dialog and the actors' equally dry delivery make Liquid Sky tortuous to watch at times, overall it's worthwhile campy fun that paints a vivid and unforgettable (albeit completely distorted) image of New York's New Wave scene in the early eighties.

Sony has introduced their first all-in-one bookshelf stereo system with a built in 20GB hard drive for storing music. While not quite as cool as the Slim Devices concept, it's "no computer needed" aspect is appealing. You can check it out in the NY Times review here.

There's a great deal going on over at Travelzoo - a special on rooms at The Paramount, an Ian Schrager hotel for less than $75 per night! Click here for details, or simply contact The Paramount and and mention the Travelzoo Top 20.

Happy Independence Day! And I can think of no better way to celebrate it than with some oh-so exciting news from Kraftwerk. According to reliable sources, the famous German electronica pioneers will stage a rare performance in Paris this September as part of the festival the Villette Numérique (September the 25 and 26). Also performing, Jacques Lu Cont (Les Rhythms Digital), LFO and François K (DH).

You may already know Blythe. However, chances are you don't know Sydney Chase and friends. Start with any of the albums and let yourself get sucked in to the drama.

Latest obsession: Crafts(?!)

Yes, you read it correctly. As horrifying as it may seem, I've been bitten by the craft bug. I've always been a fan of get crafty, but with the recent release of Ready Made magazine my friends and relatives are one step closer to getting coffee tables made from recycled computer cases, or crocheted skulls this holiday season.

For the sake of humanity, I'd better find a new hobby, soon.

Pong, done in Swedish 3-D style here.

NYC Bloggers has a very cool site. It's a collective map and listing of all (1049 so far) the bloggers in NYC, orgainzed by subway stop. I love it! So who's going to put together sfbloggers.com? The only problem would be there's no way we could organize by BART/MUNI's poorly fragmented and limited coverage area.

Even though he hasn't yet launched his new site, Michael over at burnlab has been thoughtful enough to update us with some great photos, including what looks to have been yet another astonishing Fischerspooner spectacle.

With regard to updates, let's just write all of June off, shall we? I've been so busy moving (something I passionately hate) that updates have become nothing more than a fond memory. Hopefully, once my new DSL line is in I'll be inspired to make up for it in July.

A little Star Wars oragami to start your Friday off right.

Interesting article in the New York Times about a robot talent show in Brooklyn where artists and engineers highlighted the creative potential of machines. Most impressive was the autonomous Roving Walter Walter built by two Belgian artists from MXHz.org:

It darted around the floor as if it were R2-D2, sampling sounds from the room that were meant to inspire its own audio stream. On Saturday it would emit only a low repetitive growl. But Guy van Belle, one of its creators, refused to tinker with its algorithms, saying the robot knew best.

"We have to allow our autonomous robots to make their own decisions, whether the humans like it or not," he said.

The Parisian Asphalt Initiative is a non-profit organization dedicated to raising the money to completely pave the nation of France with blacktop, increasing Europe's parking a thousandfold. Interested? Learn more, here.

A bad week for security devices. Seems that black felt-tip markers and Jell-o can be a hacker's best friend.

Two words: Ha, ha.

Technology buffs have cracked music publishing giant Sony Music's elaborate disc copy-protection technology with a decidedly low-tech method: scribbling around the rim of a disk with a felt-tip marker.

Full story here.

Fun pictures of Miss Kittin, Golden Boy and other assorted characters from Electropop at Tonimolkerei, Zürich, March '02 here.

Tonight.

Ishkur has attempted what mere mortals such as myself have only contemplated in dreams – to create a complete categorization and what looks to be the beginnings of an etymology for all the various genres and sub-genres of electronic music. Although by no means is it perfect or complete, it’s quite a good start for an overwhelmingly ambitious project. Check out his well done Guide to Electronic Music (requires Flash 5).

So yesterday, I finally went to go see Spider-Man. I didn't have very high expectations, which I suppose was good, because I ended up being pleasantly surprised and really enjoying it. I mean, it certainly wasn't a life changing event, but it was fun, and Tobey Maguire did a great job as Peter Parker. All in all, it was $9 well spent.

January 2001 interview with Caroline Herve, a.k.a. Miss Kittin here.

What would my name be if I were a cyborg?

B.I.T.B.O.Y.: Biomechanical Individual Trained for Battle and Online Yardwork

Get your own cyborg name, and many other neat time wasting doodads here.

Eugene rocks!

Ladytron is coming to SF! And maybe a city near you:

Ladytron
Ladytron DJ Team
10 (fri) | San Francisco, CA | Club Fake @ The Cat Club

Apparently I am out of the loop, as there is new Blognsob code available. Who knew?

Anyone else as excited about the release of CQ as I am? Looks like a winner.

If you listen to and enjoy Internet radio as I do, this is important. There is a proposed law going to be voted on to kill free internet radio. If the law passes on May 21st 2002 a majority of the smaller webcast stations will go out of business. All internet radio stations such as Yahoo's Launch, Spinner, Live365, Shoutcast will be affected.

As a broadcaster, and an enthusiast, I encourage those of you who enjoy Internet radio to find out more about this law and what you can do to help at saveinternetradio.org.

Over the past 2 years, my mode of 4-wheeled transport has been my trusty Saab. Its high-speed maneuverability and ample cargo space has served me well, but not unlike the Swedish fighter jet it was named after, my little Viggen requires ample and frequent maintenance from highly-trained technicians. I’m afraid I simply don’t have the time, or the DI to keep up with its seemingly insatiable appetite for fuel and tires, and the San Francisco streets’ insatiable appetite for my front spoiler and soft, easily bent alloy rims. I’m thinking it may be time to move on and simplify life with something a little less flamboyant, and a bit more economical – my eye has been fixated on this lately. Any opinions?

Pheonix from Memory Systems has started a new little new party called Le Freak Plastique at the Hush Hush where she'll be spinning all electro every Sunday.

If you're reading this right now, the new "blog via email" Blogger Pro feature does in fact work. Cool.

I was lucky enough to catch Le Syndicat Electronique at SYNTH: MODULE 4 last Wednesday night. They were quite good. Better than I expected. Mass Transit was an especially good number combining just the right amount of minimal machine pop and electro-groove to get the dancefloor moving. A big thanks to Brian Jackson and Pheonix Perry of Memory Systems and form8 for putting on such a great festival, and for the big bag of free CDs and schwag!

The new video for the Faint's "Agenda Suicide" is stunning. Fantastic work by MK12. Check out two brief snippets here and here.

Full Agenda Suicide video is now avaialable here.

From Michael at burnlab.

Also, an interesting interview with Adult. from Oct. 99.

Nice to see talent rewarded. From NME.

FISCHERSPOONER, the electro-art-fashion duo from NEW YORK, have stunned the UK dance music industry by signing a £2million record deal.

Casey Spooner and Warren Fischer are at the forefront of the New York electro-clash movement.

Now, after signing to Ministry in the UK for £2million, they have become the hottest dance act around.

But Fischerspooner do things differently - they rarely play live because their extravagant, choreographed, pyro-enhanced shows cost "hundreds of thousands of dollars". They exist simultaneously in fashion, art and music, and have been compared to 80s dance-art act The KLF.

"Our manifesto is nothing beyond sounds good, feels good, looks good," frontman Casey insisted, quoting the lyrics from their signature dance anthem "Emerge", which is to be released as a single on July 1. Fischerspooner are planning their debut UK show in London in May.

So far, myth and mystery have surrounded Fischerspooner. But it is true that Casey rang up NME asking: "Whose cock do I have to suck to get on the cover?".

We declined, but after their big money deal, Casey did agree to reveal all about Fischerspooner's world and their future plans. For more, see this week's NME, out nationwide now.

Despite being completely bummed about the last minute cancelation of last night's Miss Kittin performance, I should get the musical fix I've been jonesing for at tonight's Kruder & Dorfmeister performance at the Design Center Galleria.

Modifying Dreamweaver to produce valid XHTML.

Prompted by a number of emails asking about Sabrina's pocketpig drawing, here's the scoop. I made a unique exception to my official retirement from DJ'ing, and DJ'ed the issue launch party for To Do List Magazine. My rig consisted entirely of a Sony VAIO laptop computer loaded with Windows 2000 Professional, a Roland Audio Canvas USB sound processor (now marketed as the Edirol UA-3D), and PCDJ Red software. That's right, robots, no vinyl or CDs were on the premises, just a constant stream of uninterrupted, perfect 192Kbps MP3 files. It actually worked out quite nicely. I've worked with PCDJ for a few releases, and as long as it's running on a stable computer, it's a rock sold performer. Given that I was able to easily tote 5-hours of music, and all the necessary gear in my trusty Boblbee, I don't think I'd ever go back...of course, you do give up some tactile control, but one still has complete control over pitch and crossfading, and the looping capabilities of PCDJ are unequelled. My only complaint is, I wish there were a version of PCDJ for OSX. Combined with the ease of iTunes' ripping, and the stability of OSX, it would be ideal.

Cybrid will also be performing live at MODULE 3. If you don't know them, you should. They're really f*cking good. Check out their MP3 streams of past performances. Kling-klang-kool.

The most powerful sabers in the known universe.

Extreme Ironing is an outdoor activity that combines the excitement of an extreme sport with the satisfaction of a freshly ironed shirt.

Harry Knowles says (about Star Wars, episode 2) "I must say that I feel that this is by far the most entertaining Star Wars film to date"

Read his very detailed account here.

SF Area Robots: Don't miss the SYNTH:MODULAR festival. The aforementioned Miss Kittin will be performing live as well as a host of other electric artists. Check it out.

Clueless?

Touché

My fellow robots - run, don't walk to go buy this CD: Golden Boy, Or. Mix one part Air on a happy, good hair day with one park Kraftwerk and fold in the lyrics of the delectable Miss Kittin (mildly reminiscent of Francoise Cactus of Stereo Total) and you have 74 minutes of unadulrated audio bliss!

Some great bitmap fonts.

Check out Fischerspooner's project for Shine, Amnesty International's 40 years celebration of creative activism and commitment to human rights.

New information from the Depeche Mode rumor mill. After canceling the summer leg of the Exciter 2002 tour, both Dave Gahan and Martin Gore have promised to release solo albums within the next 14 months. Gahan has been working on demos with Knox Chandler with 15 pre-recorded so far (he even had a track rejected from Exciter). Dave also promised on US radio last week that he will tour with the new material in 2003 and he plans to throw in several Depeche Mode favourites to the set-list. Meanwhile, Martin Gore also confirmed that he will begin work of an album of cover versions from his home studio in California that will enable him to be with his wife during the pregnancy.

From Orak UK

Discogs is a great site for electro enthusiasts. You can create Collections (releases that you own) and Wantlists, read reviews, rate. Very nice indeed.

The Jack Stauffacher exxhibit, part of the SFMOMA's permanent collection is really gorgeous. If you're a fan of typography, or Russian constructivist-era art, then I'd highly recommend checking it out.

SHIT!

How could I have missed this?

Wednesday, February 27
Noise Pop 2002
Featuring The Faint plus I Am Spoonbender and Adult. and Ghost Orchid
Doors are at 7 p.m. Show starts at 8 p.m.
Tickets are $14
18 & over are welcome
Bimbo's 365 Club
1025 Columbus Avenue (at Chestnut Street)
San Francisco, CA

Although not a huge fan of their music, one must give Detroit's White Stripes due props for their completely brilliant Fell In Love With A Girl video, done completely with stop animation and Legos. Awesome.

After a day of rain and the startling realization that our beachfront location wasn't as appealing in the midst of a downpour, and, in the absence of any extraneous creature-comforts (in the name of total relaxation and being unplugged - all well and good if you've got sun, sand and surf), there really wasn't a whole lot to do at Hotel Las Palapas, we decided to move our accommodations into town. We landed at the well executed Hotel Deseo, a beautiful oasis of good design and modernism awash in a sea of overpriced hammocks and badly cast pottery swathed in lead-tainted paint. Other than being just a bit to self-aware of it's uber-hip status, Hotel Deseo was a comfortable dream. I'd recommend it, and stay there again in a heartbeat.

Please. Think of the kittens.

Palaya del Carmen is unbelievably beautiful, and the accommodations at Hotel Las Palapas couldn't be better. I expect to be one tan robot by the time I return. Until then...bueños dias y hasta luego.

The aforementioned Found Magazine will be hosting an event at Cellspace in San Francisco on Sunday, march 3rd @ 8pm. Go if you can.

Sabrina has immortalized me yet again at pocketpig.com. Pretty spot-on if I do say so myself!

My enthusiasm for this probably seals my fate for being pegged as one sick individual.

Fun with science! Your very own home made magnetic linear accelerator from a wooden ruler, tape and four magnets. The plans can be found here.

Nice.
Nice too.

Today's guilty listening pleasure: No Doubt - Rock Steady.

Word from Megan is the Musee Mechanique is closing this fall, which is a tragedy in every sense of the word. A sign in the window says it will be closing September of 2002.

"I overheard the owner telling someone that all the machines will just be stored away, she said that it will never be forgotten, and he insisted that after some time, it will."

Any ideas on how to save it?

Found Magazine is a neat concept: love letters, birthday cards, kids' homework, to-do lists, ticket stubs, poetry on napkins, telephone bills, doodles- anything that gives a glimpse into someone else's life. anything goes...if they find it, they digitize it and post it.

Michael over at Burnlab has penned nice essay on Fischerspooner and the sorry state of pop music in general. As a bonus, you'll enjoy the electropop perfection otherwise known as Emerge as you read. Crank the volume. Consume. Enjoy.

Two potentially worthy books on the horizon: 800*600, a the crew of the Hungarian web mag Inertia attempt to capture the best of the ever changing web in 208 pages, and The Art of Looking Sideways by Phaidon Press, a collection of curious facts and useless information for the design obsessed.

Quality industrial design has finally penetrated (excuse the pun) sex toy industry.

Congratulations to Rob and Kathleen.

Tugboat vs. Draw Bridge - Stranger than fiction.

Robot Query: wisdom/knowledge/advice I am currently seeking:

1) Sandals: I’m desperately seeking a pair of Clone Pool sandals for my upcoming trip to the Caribbean. They’re sublimely designed and molded out of a featherweight single piece of plastic, and come in S, M, L and XL. Stores in San Francisco seem to either be out of stock, or clueless as to when they will get more, and numerous requests to Clone’s customer service department have been useless. If anyone has seen these in his or her area, let me know where.

2) I’ve been appointed the dubious distinction of penning the play list for To-Do-List’s magazine launch party. I’ve got the usual electro-suspects all lined up, but what I need suggestions on are songs that exemplify ‘self-loathing’ (the topic of TDL’s latest issue is – you guessed it, self loathing). Of course, numerous Smiths songs come to mind, but what other self loathing singles do you know?

Burnlab is a fantastic site chock full of music, fashion, photography, art, culture and all things worthy. I highly recommend checking it out.

I realize I'm probably last to this party, but if you haven't already, you must endulge in the pure fun otherwise known as dictionaraoke.

Astronomers at The Johns Hopkins University have produced a unique new insight into the nature of existence: They've determined the color of the universe.

Want to give your G4 a more personalized look? Try appleskinz.

One review of Morimoto Restaurant. Thanks, ace!

Kwazy

With a name like this, no wonder it's ranked dead-last on the Amazon sales list:

Corals and stromatoporoids from the Ordovician and Silurian of Kronprins Christian Land, Northeast Greenland by Colin Thomas Scrutton

From AmazonScan.com

Attention all Philidelphia-area robots: I'm very interested in any photos people have taken of the new Karim Rashid designed Morimoto Restaurant. Near the liberty bell, the restaurant boasts 140 seats and 6 Sushi Chefs along with the rest of the kitchen complement. I'm curious about what it looks like, any interesting little details in design and layout, as well as thoughts on the quality of the food and service, and how the design of the resturant either complimented or distracted from the dining experience. Send me your feedback here.

Ohayo gozaimasu, robots!

Today's Factoid - brought to you live from the Shibuya district in Tokyo:

When speaking Japanese, the future tense is expressed by using the same form as the present tense.

Makes a good argument for the idea that language drives culture.

Credible sources tell me that my favorite band of 2000, Ladytron has completed the soundtrack to the forthcoming Walt Disney remake of Tron, and will be premiering their new soundtrack on February 22nd at the Institute of Contemporary Art in London. All UK robots are encouraged to attend and report back!

Today is my final day in my weekend getaway to Utah. Salt Lake City is aglow with the promise of incumbent stardom brought on by the 2002 Winter Olympics, and Park City denizens are basking in the afterglow of the Sundance film festival.

My only star sighting: Frank Whaley of "Swimming with Sharks” fame. Other movies seen:

- The Jimmy Show
- Birthday Girl
- Teknolust

As a native Californian, and someone who cringes at the prospect of a 50-degree afternoon, I must say, while it’s very, very beautiful here, it’s also way, way, way too cold. Before venturing to this region of the country again, I’ll require that somebody buy me this.

Osama bin Peedon

Courtesy of my biggest fan...
Interesting article with Nick, the perpetrator behind the creepy yet fascinating coincidencedesign.com stalking service. According to Nick, the site is neither a hoax, nor a legitimate business, but a 'self-fulfilling prophecy'. In reality, Nick seems to be desperately hoping that there’s someone desperate, wealthy and foolish enough to pay the $78,000 fee for his nefarious pursuits.

Spooky!

Simply GNUStep seems like a really cool alternate distribution of Linux for those of us too busy to really get down and dirty with other packages. I'd love to hear any positive or negative experiences.

I first saw this in a movie theater last summer. I laughed so hard I thought I was going to cough up my spleen. Now it's online.

The song says, “nobody walks in LA”. A more accurate statement would be, nobody knows how to deal with pedestrians in LA. As I was walking down the sidewalk in Culver City yesterday the occasional passer by seemed miffed anytime I strayed from the far right hand side of the sidewalk – they looked at me as if I was an out of control driver crossing the double yellow line and heading into oncoming traffic. I suppose in LA, even walking down the sidewalk adheres to the ubiquitous driving metaphors.

Anyone own a Beosound 1? Any opinions?

Some advance reports of cool gear from CES are rolling in:

Technology Enabled Clothing will model the Scott eVest, a bulky black garment with lots of pockets for stowing gadgets and networking infrastructure that can connect a handheld computer in one pocket to the cell phone in another.

Ectaco will demonstrate the Universal Translator, a portable speech-recognition device that translates between English and French, German or Spanish.

Wow. Already the 3rd of January. It seems like just the day before the day before yesterday it was 2001.