Nicole, Redesigned

Well, her site is anyway. No reason to tamper with perfection.

After a long period of contemplation and the press of higher priorities nicolespiridakis.com has undergone a complete makeover (no way was I going to use that word in the headline.)

Gone is the iconic picture in the borrowed shirt, replaced with a graceful headshot (used here without permission, as usual).

Speaking of photos, the landing page is a nicely staged shot of one of Nicole's many SF Chron articles -- you know she has a monthly column there called "Common Walls?"

But our favorite page is "clips." There are lots and lots of them, and room for more. Get on it, girl!

The Pantry is Perfect. Of Course It Is.

On the theory that you just can't know enough about Nicole and the reality that peepsNet is too lazy to do any enterprise reporting, we invite you to surf on over to The Perfect Pantry and read up on what "the passionate cook behind the stove at Cucina Nicolina" likes to read up on.

She's got a birthday coming up (not A Big One, no, not until Next Year) but, who knows, you might get an idea or two about what the girl is into if you haven't yet bought that present yet.

We know this is all only about Nicole's shameless attempt to promote her blog, and we applaud her for it.

Hey -- we hear that a redesign in the offing @ nicolespiridakis.com. About time.

Square Curves

Square Curves Originally uploaded by Samer Farha.

Samer scores a double today with another DCist "Picture of the Day" and a Flickr explore (#15 and counting)!

Ross in Santa Monica

peeps-in-law Michael Knud Ross is showing in Santa Monica starting Sunday, Sept. 23, as part of a tw-person show at Terrence Rogers Fine Art.

The exhibit, also featuring David Molesky, runs through Oct. 27. The artists will be on hand at the Sunday opening, 2-5.

If You Want Her, She'll Be In The Closet

We wonder if Nicole needs to phone ahead for reservations anymore, or if Barry Bonds wants to be photographed with her, or if it's starting to get a little creepy for Gavin Newsome to keep dropping by because "I just happened to be in the neighborhood?"

Not that we think she should stop writing. And neither does the Chron, which today publishes Nicole's latest column about life as a renter in San Francisco. We can't get enough of these. So keep it up. And just tell the mayor when he drunk dials you that you can't hear the doorbell in your closet. Office.

Fare Card, Dave?

How May We Help You? Originally uploaded by Samer Farha.

More DCist love for Samer.

When we saw this, we were immediately struck by how this image evoked HAL 9000 from "2001: A Space Odyssey," even down to the colors and brightness. Amazing. But we were not alone -- a previous commenter on this picture at flickr made the same observation, first.

This is a great example of how the eye and brain of a true photographer work. Here is something that tens of thousands of people see every day, but this capture seems unique -- special.

On the other hand, maybe nobody has taken this before because there is never nobody in the shot. There is always some poor soul struggling to get one of these machines to do what it is told, fighting to prevail.

Hmmm ... perhaps they are HAL.

A view of HAL 9000's Brain Room in the Discovery.

On T-Mobile

On T-Mobile Originally uploaded by Samer Farha.

Samer has now taken control of his iPhone and has provided photographic proof.

In his words:

"Look at the top left of this screen capture from my iPhone. "T-Mobile" it says! And I've got Edge working on it, too. It rocks.

"I used the free iPhone Dev Team solution and did it from an SSH session to the phone. It was a bit nerve wracking as it takes approximately forever to do its thing, but it worked. Like a charm."

Letters to the peepsNet Ombudsman

Dear peepsNet ombudsman,

I'm all about a shrinking world wrought by the digital revolution but at heart I'm a pretty provincial guy. Can you arrange to have Nicole's latest article, about that neighborhood in San Francisco, published on my local newspaper's web site?

Mike in Raleigh

Dear Mike,

No problem. Here it is. And tell your like-minded friends in Boston they don't have to cruise to far-flung servers either.

The peepsNet Ombudsman
"It's all about you."

________________________

Dear peepsNet Ombudsman,

His work is good and all but some of us actually take pictures for a living and kinda resent all the attention Samer is getting with his DCist play. Any chance you can cut back on the articles about him and leave a little air in the room?

Rich in Portland

Dear Rich,

No.

The peepsNet Ombudsman
"It's all about you."

________________________

Dear peepsNet Ombudsman

I may be wrong about this, but it seems like you only write about the same 6 people over and over again. People tell me I'm pretty interesting -- is there any chance you can do an article about me? You could talk me into an interview (wink wink) and I don't look half bad these days on TV.

OBL in ?????

Dear OBL,

Am I mistaken or did you an advice column for our sister publication? Frankly, we were disappointed that you couldn't come to terms on a renewal, but, hey, I also thought Hell would freeze over before CNN walked away from Reuters.

I don't really know how to answer your question. Our subjects generally beg us to stop writing about them. We've never been actually invited to cover anything. We'll have to think about this and get back to you.

The peepsNet Ombudsman
"It's all about you."

DCist: Morning Roundup: Six Years Later Edition

10
Originally uploaded by Samer Farha

DCIst staff photographer (he isn't?) Samer scores again with Morning Roundup: Six Years Later Edition.

I think he needs a challenge. He should start shooting exclusively with an iPhone.

[19:21] Samer: I have an 8GB iPhone in front of me

Sexy
Originally uploaded by Samer Farha

These words aren't exactly "That's one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind" -- but they are close.

They have met Samer's price, and only part of that was reducing the retail of the first generation iPhone by $200. The deal maker was the release and verification of a free unlock, which lets the iPhone buyer spit in the general direction of ATT's two-year contract and Steve's hard-wired SIM.

For some of us (ahem) this development comes too late. While the Jesus Phone wasn't important enough for some of us to lose sleep and dignity over, waiting on a line outside the Apple Store with guys who have never kissed a girl, it was too important to wait for the Neo to crack The Matrix. This was especially true for those of us whose mobile phone just died out of nowhere (really) and you can't go a day without coverage because that's when the Big Call you've been waiting for all your life will come. But we digress.

peepsNet, which has already benefited greatly from Samer's general Mac expertise and specific pre-ownership iPhone interest, expects great things to be discovered now that the boy wonder has one in his mitts.

You can start by porting VNC and building an IM client that works in the background and notifies even when not in focus. If it isn't too much trouble.

ghettoManga: i got your Superwoman...

Mike gets a nice review at ghettoManga.

Blogger Samax says he's read all three of Mike's SouthSide Nefertiti books and has seen his growth, especially since relinquishing drawing responsibilities and concentrating on the writing.

"every now and then, a book which started out as a good idea with not-so-great execution starts to catch up to its potential.

Southside Nefertiti (Type Illy Press) is JUST such a book homie!! in its defense, i've been reading the adventures of single mom/college student/superhero Nefertiti Jones for some time now... and series creator Mike Sales is one hell of a great writer... but he also drew the book, which was holding his writing back. like many indie cats, his art was passionate and distinct, but not up to the level it would take to do his skillfull writing justice..."

Apparently You Can Go Home Again

peepsNet did not see this one coming, which makes it an extra delicious treat.

How better than to start off a new month than a little Nicole read?

Katy Moves On

After turning in some fine work at MarketWatch, Katy is moving on.

She starts at Thompson in three weeks. Hey -- doesn't that mean she'll be working at Reuters again?

peepsNet Made on 267

Thumbs Up Originally uploaded by Samer Farha.

Curses!

More Mike

Could be because peepsNet only just signed up for Type Illy email updates that I just got blasted with four (4) missives. Much of it has already been covered here, but here are some as-yet unreported tidbits:

"The CHARLOTTE ARTS FESTIVAL turned out to be the most succesful outing TYPE ILLY PRESS has ever had. Not only in terms sales, but also in solidifying a long term business strategy for independent comic creators (particularly of color)..."

"we did our HIGHEST first day sales numbers at the CHARLOTTE ARTS FESTIVAL, and we owe it all to the lovely parents and children who came out and dropped HEAVY support for SOUTHSIDE NEFERTITI. Parents looking to get their children reading took to the book, and young teens dug the hip hop angle. The incredible cover art by Randolph Williams caught eyes all weekend, and the story kept them reading."

"Everybody's experience is different, but the reaction to SOUTHSIDE NEFERTITI and the continual support reaffirms to me that there is a significant audience for high quality comics by independent creators and people of color. Not only that, but people of color will SUPPORT high quality comics if they are done well and if the story resonates with them. In one day, I moved more units at the CHARLOTTE ARTS FESTIVAL than I did in an entire weekend at WIZARD WORLD LA and mainstream comics shops put together.

And the Charlotte Arts Festival had a LOT FEWER people. Men lie, women lie, but numbers don't lie. (c) Jay Z And the numbers keep saying to me that people of color – ESPECIALLY PARENTS – are much hungrier for this particular TYPE ILLY comic than mainstream comics fans."

" From the SOUTHSIDE TO SAN DIEGO... SOUTHSIDE NEFERTITI has stepped into new territory. TYPE ILLY'S latest release SOLD OUT the entire special edition print run for the 38th Annual COMIC CON INTERNATIONAL at the San Diego Convention Center!(WEE PALS Creator Morrie Turner and KUNTA KINTE at our (ComicCon) booth, yall!!)

DCist: Morning Roundup: Animal Criminality Edition

OK -- basically we're just going to start phoning these in.

Samer blah blah blah DCist blah blah blah Morning Roundup blach blah blah featured photo.

DCist: The Weekly Feed: You're at Happy Hour Already Edition

More DCist love for Samer via The Weekly Feed: You're at Happy Hour Already Edition.

Is Samer getting any $$$ for these marvelous captures? Maybe he should be selling them. peepsNet just might suggest it and ask for a cut.

Manholes: The Other Great Enemy

P.E.P. CO. Originally uploaded by Samer Farha.

I think I am starting to understand the editorial policy at esteemed competitor DCist:

1. Check out the DCist flickr group
2. See if Samer has posted anything recently
3. Decide to do a story that they can use Samer's picture to illustrate
   

Well, if that isn't the way they work over there, it should be.

Samer's " P.E.P. CO." is the art on the Aug. 16 DCist story Manholes: The Other Great Enemy. It graces this article, too.

Hey, DCist -- we knew him first!

Mike @ Comicon II

A profile of The Antidote Trust, the independent collective of which Mike is a member, is at Black Comic Book Blog. Peg is the Trust's showing at ComicCon.

Passage on Mike:

"Mike Sales— He’s a writer, he’s an artist and he’s publisher of quality Comics, so of course he’s Triathlon (Mike actually wears many more hats than those but Multiple Man didn’t quite fit the analogy). To be good at so many facets of the business and still be a team player is a super power all by itself."

Mike @ Comicon

Long Q&A with Mike (and lots of pictures) at Pink Raygun.

This is a very in-depth interview with Mike. He talks at length about his business plan, marketing and team of artists.

Best for me was the explanation of his inspiration for Nefertiti Jones, Mike's single mom superhero.

Blah Blah Blog

We don't know what part of this sentence we like better:

"Awesome last name recipient and New York Times contributor Nicole Spiridakis ..."

SFist has picked up on the awesomely last named awesome NYTimes article about an up-and-coming SF neighborhood and -- since all blogs are only about the blogger anyway -- the item became vitriol magnet for author Brock Keeling.

Our favorite, posted anonymously: "If you call the Western Addition, NOPA, you deserve the stabbing or shooting your stupid white ass will get." Ouch.

New York Times? N(o)P(a)!

The embargo has been lifted, and with it, our spirits.

peepsNet is pleased to reveal that Nicole has crashed through the gates of that certain East Coast newspaper of record with an article about a cool, emerging neighborhood in that West Coast town where she insists she must live.

Sunday's New York Times -- Travel Section, page 4, as earlier alluded to -- carries Nicole's homage to NOPA -- "the name stands for “north of the Panhandle,” that sliver of green jutting east from Golden Gate Park — was once known mostly for low-income housing and random shootings," Nicole writes. "But an influx of attention-getting restaurants and boutiques in the last decade has made it one of the city's cooler destinations, even as it struggles to maintain its gritty individuality," she continues, mocking the inaccessibility of this budding paradise to we Right Coast denizens.

The story is already on the web (yes, that is about the 11th link to it in this pimping puff piece. You should be so lucky.) but we cannot wait to see it in print which, as any New York Times reader will tell you (assuming that Jane O’Shaughnessy speaks for us all), is all that really matters.

peepsNet takes special note of the special care the NYT gave Nicole's article, commissioning a lovely illustration by Jorge Columbo to which we have linked, the better to shore up the paper's sagging readership.

No charge, Gray Lady. A reciprocal link would be just fine.

I'm Just Sayin'

I know you are all as upset as peepsNet is with the New York Times shrinking and all, but wait until Sunday before you give up on the Gray Lady.

Travel Section.

Page 4.

I'm just sayin'.

Counter Culture -- I Wish I Had Thought Of That

Nicole is at it again: tormenting all those SF renters who'd rather just like to kick back with an Anchor Steam and watch The Bionic Man set a home run record with even more ways to productively fill their down time.

Now it's indoor gardening. This, from a girl who lives five blocks from a farmer's market and is already booked solid through her 30th birthday (the planning for which has begun, I am sure).

Take a breather and stop making the rest of us look like lazy bums. We like the produce section at Ralphs. We consider vegetables optional anyway. Give us more stuff like you don't have to clean the place all the time. And since you're up, get us a beer.

9 Reasons

9 Reasons Originally uploaded by Samer Farha.

More DCist love for Samer.

Of course, peepsNet will publish anything having to do with RFD.

Arlington Fly Over

Arlington Fly Over Originally uploaded by Samer Farha.

Another DCist capture for Samer

"I'm sitting here catching up on some blogs and getting ready for work when this high pitched scream of airplane engines rattles my place. Instinctively, I knew it was either a B-52 or a few fighter jets, and I ran to grab my camera.

They were probably doing a fly over at Arlington National Cemetery, which is a mere 1.5 miles away. Sadly, it's a pretty regular occurrence, though normally it happens around 10a or later, when I'm not home."

It's A Good Thing

She's at it again.

No, not squandering her feminist inheritance (well, maybe a little -- but it's worth it) but spreading a bit of renter wisdom in the pages of the Chron and its site.

We are looking forward to tear-inducing prose when Nicole goes to Greece later this month. Really. Expectations are high. Really high. And pictures -- we'll want lots of pictures.

Watch This Space

"L C Smith" Originally uploaded by John C Abell
peepNet knows all about secrets and always respects embargoes -- if The Price is Right (we'll miss you Bob). Our iron-clad code of conduct dictates that we sometimes can't divulge what we know or even acknowledge that we know something that we know. You know?

So let's just say that we are ... intrigued at a little aside over at cucinanicolina and just plain curious to know what Nicole means when she says that she

"got a piece of rather spectacular news the other day, but I'm going to hold on to it a bit until I have something more concrete to show for it."

How spectacular, you ask?

"Needless to say, an already gold-star day of 80-degree temperatures here in San Francisco was elevated to new and glorious heights."

Damn. That girl can write.

Anyway, let's just say peepNet is as much in the dark as anyone and just hopes to be on the release list when the big story breaks. Yeah. That's it.

Break Through

Break Through Originally uploaded by Samer Farha.

This April 3 shot, taken while Samer was in Toronto on business, gives him a breakthrough in the "ist" arms race: Samer, 2 (DCist, Torontoist), Nicole, 1 (SFist).

Fronted on Torontoist on June 12.

Blue Glow

Blue Glow Originally uploaded by Samer Farha

Another DCist credit for Samer.

Maybe he should be selling these? Blogging about his photographic experiences? Huh?

Katie of Spain

Katie's annual pilgrimage to Seville wasn't all play this year.

She was commissioned by the BBC to do a photo essay on Feria de Abril a week-long party that is said to attract a million people.

Amber Waves

Amber Waves, originally uploaded by Samer Farha

Samer again gets some DCist Picture of the Day love with this shot of a cool ale -- not too cool, peepsNet hopes.

He deserves recognition just for pausing long enough to take a picture of this thing of beauty, a mere millimeters away.

Cooking with Gas

Are you one of those apartment dwellers who loves to give dinner parties but labors with a lousy oven? You are not alone. But you probably can't tell the tale as well as our Nicole, who lives to cook and bake. You have seen her blog, no?

Let's hope the folks over at Viking or Wolf put her out of her misery. She has people to feed -- lots of them.

Just thought of this: why doesn't the SFGate allow comments on stories? I think peepsNet will ask ...

SFist Mention for cucinanicolina

We read her regularly of course but it's nice to know that SFist also knows what a super blog Nicole has going on over at cucina nicolina.

So, we have a coast-to-coast smackdown going on now between Samer, whose had a number of pictures published by DCist, and Nicole.

Who to root for. Decisions, decisions.

Round Corner

Round Corner Originally uploaded by Samer Farha.

Another DCist credit for Samer

A Pattern Starts to Form

It will never get boring but it is nice to have Nicole's byline appearing in the San Francisco Chronicle becoming routine.

$12 Million or So

$12 Million or So, originally uploaded by Samer Farha.

Samer thinks he got really close to a lot of money today.

This automobile, if a genuine Ferrari 250 GTO would be one of fewer than 40 ever made.

I'm sure he still loves his VW very, very much.

Godfather of Odd Breaks his Silence

We don't know whether to call him the "Odd God" or the "King of Odd" or our personal favorite -- Evil Prince Adobe -- but Bob has been interviewed by about.com about (hey -- I wonder if that's why they bought that domain!) his blogging empire over at reuters.com.

For infrequent readers Bob blogs about the Oddly Enough news category he also edits, and the "Good, Bad and Ugly" section, which deals with reader feedback

Samer's Northern Exposures

Samer has compiled another stunning photo portfolio during his recent trip to Toronto.

The 74 images cover a wide range of subjects: buildings, architectural detail, people, shapes, colors. Oh yes -- there are the obligatory handful of shots involving drinking.

We don't know if Samer will write a guest column about his travels, and his comments on flickr are spare.

Of course, the pictures speak for themselves quite nicely.

The Res-Man is back, Baby!!!

Would you hire this man?

Jon advises that he is "back in the breaking news game" as an Intake Producer for AP in DC. The gig at APTN starts on Monday.

The Res-Man was a star at Reuters TV when he was plucked to be a member of the elite Reuters Washington Multimedia Desk (in what seemed like a shrewd career move at the time. What's up with that?)

After careful consideration we have decided to dispense with the obvious jokes, but here was our working outline when we were going there:

• Check "My Yahoo!" for Hell weather forecast
• Google last time Christmas fell in April
• Google last time Chanukah fell in April
  
• April Fool's prank by Samer?
• "Intake Producer" = "Receptionist"?

While peepsNet is delighted that Jon is no longer a burden on society and Sara, we hope that his golf game won't suffer and that he will make the right priority calls when sailing season begins in earnest.

Congratulations, Jon. And drinks are on you.

Spring is in the Air! Finally!

Nicole's second article for the San Francisco Chronicle is in today's Home & Garden section.

The story behind the story is pretty interesting: Nic wrote this last Autumn.

Like a fine wine, The Chron will serve no story before its time.

Samer's on the Road, eh

Samer is in Canada "for work and a little R&R." The work is at Reuters' Center of Excellence in Toronto.

He's agreed to consider becoming a guest columnist on peepsNet to detail his trip, which includes business at the place which made peepsNet possible (er, by being the location at which are located the offshored jobs of the people who used to work for me, whose privacy I continue to invade).

Hopes for any updates on a certain Martin fellow were dashed when peepsNet was informed that he was on vacation.

Excellent timing, Mr. Farha.

No pictures yet: it is Samer's custom to publish upon return. He thoughtfully posted this picture taken in an earlier trip to Toronto.

peepsNet approves

Specs become her, no?

Wizard World Mike

Mike is attending Wizard World Los Angeles this weekend with other members of The Antidote Trust.

You can catch him at the Artist's Alley at booths 1411 A&B. What better way to celebrate St. Patrick's Day!

Independent Propoganda reports that "Sales will be promoting and signing their latest comic titles, along with other The Antidote Trust members Robert Roach, Dale Wilson, Kevin Grevioux, Korby Marks and Blake Chen."

peepsNet needs to crack that Antidote Trust press list ...

The Antidote Trust

Thanks to Google Alerts peepsNeet has just learned that Mike is one of the creators of "The Antidote Trust," which describes itself as "... a consortium of like-minded creatives in the comics industry."

Mike's page is very cool, and begins with this brief bio:

Mike Sales (aka M.TOREZ) was born in Columbus, GA, where he swam in creeks, climbed plumb trees and flew kites, then moved to DC and dodged bullets, crackheads and crooked cops for fifteen years (having a ball the whole time.) Currently, he and his lovely wife have settled down in the suburban greenways of Raleigh, NC., here he runs TYPE ILLY PRESS.

Myth Conceptions - Black History of Comics

Mike is one of four author/illustrators interviewed for this Silver Bullet Comics article by Brant W. Fowler:

"What better way to close out the month on this, the next to last day of February, which is also Black History Month? There are so many important events throughout history that are recognized during this month, but aren’t or haven’t always been noted in accepted curriculum for our schools and so forth. While Black History should be celebrated at all times, it’s good to have this period of time in which we can all be educated about parts of history we may not be aware of, or haven’t searched out ourselves."

"To help me with the topic I was fortunate enough to speak with a few creators both independent and professional and get their outlooks and opinions on the subject."

Another Opening, Another Show

They are going to have stop calling me "Mr. First Nighter" if I keep this up.

Yes, I missed the opening of DCIst Exposed show at the Warehouse Gallery last night (I was not the only one). I'm going to say that I needed to be even-handed here since I missed the opening of peeps-in-law Michael's gallery gala and because I happen to know Nicole keeps very close tabs on these things and that she knows how to text me. (My excuse with Mike? Raleigh is outside my range)

The important things are that:

1. Samer was one of a very select few who were exposed, as it were;
2. His photo, "Lady Bug (blue)" was purchased even before the show opened;
3. A lot of people showed up even though there was only a cash bar

In an exclusive interview with peepsNet Samer says:

"It really was a fantastic night. The place was packed, and I didn't expect such a turn out. It was great to meet the other photographers (who I won't name, cause I have a leaky memory) and the DCist staff.

"I got compliments from tons of people, and it really was a joy just to sit back and watch people's reactions."

The show runs through March 16.

Southside Nefertiti #2

Mike gets a very strong review for his graphic novel Southside Nefertiti #2 from Brant Fowler at SilverBulletComics.com.

Among the comments by Fowler that will appear on Mike's next book jacket:

"... in usual fashion, Sales has crafted a very real and powerful story full of real life drama and angst and colloquialisms that really give this story depth and character."

"His characters are intelligent without becoming something they’re not ... Sales doesn’t shy away from stereotypes, but he doesn’t give into them either.

"... the story is deep and very telling. It’s a representation of urban life told in a manner to inspire hope, justice and strength."

Be sure to get your copy of Southside Nefertiti #2 soon -- book illustrator Don Tate II was very glad to get his as a gift from his children's book author mom, Eleanora E. Tate!

Oh yeah - and check out the redesign at Type Illy Press. I guarantee that is one intro you will not be skipping.

Art for Arts' Sake

Lost at Sea, by Michael K. Ross

Peep-in-law Michael Ross is the subject of a show with three other artists at the Hillyer Art Space in DC. He and Nicole will attend the opening reception, which is Feb. 9 starting at 6 pm.

Diplomat groupies note that Norwegian Ambassador Knut Vollebæk, Danish Ambassador Friis Arne Petersen, and the Finnish Embassy's Minister Counselor Pekka Voutilainen will formally open the exhibition at 6:30 pm.

The artists will also be on hand Saturday for extended hours, 11 am to 3 pm, to personally present their etchings, watercolors, and other works.

The exhibition runs from February 9 through April 20, 2007. Gallery hours are M-F, 9:30 to 6 pm or by appointment.

For more information contact Michael Knud Ross at mkr@michaelrossart.com or visit the gallery's website.

Allow peepsNet to be tacky (imagine the odds): sell a lot of stuff, people!

Shred, He Said

What is "not as good as quitting your job" but "better than getting married?"

Why, getting a guitar, for free!

Regular readers of peepsNet know that Samer recently welcomed a new addition into his family. A VW GTI, that is. Boudoir shots here. There was no ring exchange but she is wearing his brand.

It turns out that when Samer bought his new toy VW had a promotion going on with Boston Guitar company First Act to highlight the fact that the GTI and six other models have AUX in plugs. You know, what normal people might use for their iPods and, teenagers, who already shouldn't be allowed to drive, will use for bad Van Halen impersonations while trying to pass on the right doing 87 mph.

First Act, doing its best to make what is actually a cool idea sound as uncool as possible, has these suggestion (recite in the voice and cadence of a pompous British newsreader):

Owners of new VW models can transform their cars into mobile amps, with a newfound freedom to rock in the driveway, play at outdoor parties, or shred in the beach parking lot. New rockers will hit the road with a First Act GarageMaster guitar in the trunk, ready to stop and dispense riffs wherever the mood strikes.

I really don't want to see Samer dispensing riffs wherever the mood strikes, even if that isn't a euphemism for something else teenagers shouldn't be doing in cars.

There will be a bit of a learning curve since Samer doesn't play guitar (keyboards are his specialty :). And this new field of study may have to be put off for a bit since Samer has only had his copy of "Building CAN and CANopen Networks" since Jan 5 and, you know, first things first.

But when he's up to speed I hope Samer abides by these simple Guitar God rules. And keep it down in there after 11 pm, please. Some of us have to get up in the morning.

Samer, Exposed!

Not really, so don't worry.

But our friend has been selected as one of the winning talents for the DC Exposed Photography show. An opening reception for the show is scheduled for March 9 at 6:30 p.m., where the winners may deign to interact with their public. We understand beer will be served, so it's a pretty sure bet that if the vanity won't get him there the libation will.

And for those of you who can't make it, here is his winning shot.

Samer in Love

Yes -- it has happened. Samer is in love. Check out the back seat ...

Well, he has a new new car. It isn't red, which means he is broadening his horizons.

Join the lovefest at Samer's GTI Flickr photoset.

Nicole Heads East

Settle down guys -- it's only for a brief visit over the New Year's weekend.

Among other things (we sincerely hope) Nicole will be helping out with hosting duties for a holiday party.

Girl -- do you not do enough on your own?

Mike is Freelancing

Word on the street is that Mike is looking for some freelance gigs.

"High on a hill, it calls to me"

Fin, by Samer Farha

Regular readers of peepsNet know we're not good enough to come up with a headline like that.

It's the subject line of an email from Samer announcing -- all kidding aside -- an extraordinary portfolio of work from his recent trip to San Francisco, a "wonderful week hanging out with friends, eating great food, enjoying the sights and taking tons of photos. I think I've pulled the best of the best out and I have them up on my Flickr page.

The set is here. Don't miss it.

Today, H&G -- Tomorrow ... ?

This is where she'll be

Yeah, Iraq is disintegrating, the White House is leaking memos like there is no tomorrow (see: Iraq is disintegrating), people that outwardly seem to have no mental defects are already running for president and there was this story on the TV tonight about rats figuring out how to eat their way into FEMA trailers parked in Jefferson Parish.

We're not interested in small stuff like that on peepsNet.

Nicole has been offered a monthly column by the Home and Garden editor at the San Francisco Chronicle. Her beat will be the trials and tribulations of the renter in San Francisco.

Regular readers of peepsNet know that Nicole has already been published in the Chron. She has also pitched two other pieces that were accepted but haven't yet run and has generally been making a nuisance of herself -- you know what I'm talking about -- that the folks there must have thought well, she isn't going away so we better give her what she wants.

Smart move, Chronicle. Where do I subscribe?