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.