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.