Interesting factoid: next.com, the would-be domain for Steve Jobs' failed computer company NeXT is still owned by Apple Computer, Inc. according to the whois database. Simply a case of not being able to let go of his aged dream, or does Mr. Jobs have something in mind for the future of NeXT?

There are whirlwind weeks, then there are weeks where the whirlwind is more like Typhoon Paka. This has been one of those weeks, exhaustion and fun mixed together to create a crazed sense of tension and euphoria.

It all started Friday night with Tommie Sunshine at Club Fake. Lots of fun with new friends and old, and the usual assortment of scandalous behavior electro style. Click here for some photo evidence of the evening’s debauchery.


Then Saturday I and a crew of 8 hopped a plane to LA where I art directed a new photo shoot for Sony at the Downtown and Hollywood Standard Hotels. 3 grueling 16-hour days later, I’m confident in saying the photos turned out absolutely incredible. Some of my best work to date. I couldn’t have done it without my amazing crew of models, styling by Travis from Rudy’s Barber Shop, makeup by AWNY, amazing clothing from Allison at RedThreds and my photography crew, Damon, Deanna and Sean from Clear For Launch. I’ve posted a few fun behind the scenes photos from the shoot here.



Then, upon returning I had the nicest note in the world waiting in my mailbox from the beautiful and talented Phoenix of Memory Systems thanking me for my enthusiastic support. They even gave me a shout out in the liner notes of the CD – thanks, so much guys! Totally unnecessary, but totally appreciated! BTW, I’ve been spinning the new CD non-stop since my return, and it’s incredibly infectious – if you haven’t already, make sure to order it now. So what’s next? Stay tuned.

Pssst. Pass this on...
Make sure to stop by Club Fake this Friday @ the Cat Club, where Tommie Sunshine will be manning the turntables. If it's anything like the e-clash weekend back in September, it's sure to be scandalous!

Clear your calendar on March 7^th fellow robots, because our favorite electro-sensation Ladytron is headed for Bimbo's as part of their full North American tour!

Finally got around to posting the pics from the 2002 Fake vs. Popscene New Year's Eve extravaganza:



Just click here, but be patient while it loads, there are lots 'o shots. Enjoy!.

Just in time to start the new year off right, our very own SF expats better known as Memory Systems have released their new album titled Ad Placement for the Collective Unconscious is available on their own label, Form Records. I was able to hear an advance track several months ago courtesy of Michael at Burnlab, and it's brilliant. I advise you buy it online. Immediately.



Still no word on the mysterious band called “Fitness” out of Seattle. Anyone? Anyone? Bueller?

Also, I’ve got lots of pictures from Club Fake’s NYE bash that I’ll be posting in a day or two, after I catch up on work.

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.