Wow, Charco it is great to hear from you! And so fantastic that you took a leap of faith and things have turned out so amazing. Kudos to you!

And kudos for working through the mental slump, as well as quitting smoking. I quit 4 years ago, after a two-decades-and-some-change long habit, so I hear ya on the weight gain front. Anyway, glad you stopped by and hope to see your name around here more often especially when there are some new tunes to talk about!

Finally got to read this thread properly and alot of you are having life altering events wow. And Whirly you're strong woman.

Aw, thank you! I don't see myself as particularly strong - it's just me keeping on when life gets wonky! :)

So in whirly news, I now know why the universe made those other houses fall through, and that's because it wanted us to hold out for the perfect home. House hunting is over and we were incredibly fortunate with an amazingly quick escrow. We have the final walk through with the seller tomorrow, and keys in hand shortly after that. Life is sweet at the moment and I'm overwhelmed with the generosity, support, and love that's been shown to me. It makes me think back on all those other times throughout life where other people have been kind and gracious in spirit to my family and me. This little journey has all been very humbling, that's for sure!

Good for you Whirls and your family that the hunt is over. It's a good relief that you guys don't have to move anymore (knocks on wood) Here's to more sweetness coming your way.

I agree with you said about humbling because it's been what I been feeling for the last 3 months, and come to think of it, I could've been dealt a worser hand. I am midway through a small crisis, and just started dating again, so I'm kind of going to be ok for the end of this year, plus I love the fact that I have seen some improvements in myself in 2013. Damn........the battles that go through our minds I tell you.

Enjoy your weekends people.

Speaking of enjoying the weekend, went to a show yesterday in Sydney, started at midday, my misses and I rocked up about 3pm. Booka Shade played a 2 hour DJ set from 3:30 and then Digitalism with a DJ set after that.

I saw Booka Shade playing live earlier this year so I was looking forward to seeing Digitalism more. Ended up Booka Shade were fucking brilliant and Digitalism was pretty shit. Not sure why but Digitalism's sound quality was really bad. It was a great party though, still on a high from it now.

@Charco glad to see my birthday brother is doing so well for himself! Awesome to hear stories about risks gone right, they're inspiring.

Up at 2:50am applying for loads of colleges, neglecting homework. I've got my future ahead of my and still don't know what the hell to do with it. Computer Science is the most practical way to go, it's where the money is at, still part of me wants to pursue graphic design and music. I really have no idea what I want to do when I grow up. Growing up is the weirdest thing too, I can feel it happening. I'm less apt to staying up late like I am now, I'm feeling more responsible.. I don't know. Part of me wants to neglect responsibilities for the sake of retaining my childhood while I still can, the other half knows that can be a really bad idea. The future's just swallowing me whole and I'm not sure if I should fight it or not.

In the meantime I'm just waiting on a bunch of things now. New Chemical Brothers and U2 albums on the horizon, plus the Doctor Who 50th Anniversary special - I got tickets to see it in theaters so I'm ultra jazzed for that.

Speaking of Booka Shade, can anyone give me an idea of where to begin on getting into their music? I really liked their track on Wipeout HD, curious about their other work.

I was like you Whitenoise, when I was nearing the end of school I had no idea what to do. I could have done anything, but I just didn't know. And why would you at that age. I wouldn't stress over it, or force yourself to do something you don't feel passionate about. You are smart and motivated, you can use that to get into any career at any time in your life. I have changed my path many times, I am still not sure what I want to do when I grow up .

Re Booka Shade, I have seen them do a live show before the Chems did their 3hr DJ set in Sydney this year, and I remember it was good, but I am not up on the tracks that are worth listening too. All I know is the DJ set they did the other day was awesome.

I saw Booka Shade at a festival back in 2009 here in London and really enjoyed it. My only complaint was that the volume wasn't loud enough. Royksoopp played the same stage afterwards and were definitely loud enough, so I think it may have been down to Booka Shade's own mixing guy. Royksopp were excellent incidentally...

I'm not an expert on their albums, but I guess Body Language by M.A.N.D.Y v Booka Shade would be the best known track that they are associated with. Mandarine Girl is a personal favourite of mine too. The White Room ep's also got a lot of attention around the time they were released, though not particularly by me.

And considering Lou Reed is in the news for dying (RIP), here's a great remix that Booka Shade did of his wife Laurie Anderson's O Superman. (Incidentally I have a bootleg 12" remix of the same track by an unknown remixer which pre-dates Booka Shade's remix. I guess the original being beatless, was crying out for people to have a bash at it).

To all you London people: On The Beat Records for sale.

Heartbreak sucks!

And i cant even focus on a coffee cup!

In a stunningly depressing wave of defeat, I found out that I have to take the California Bar Exam again.

I feel like punching a baby in the mouth. If only that would help my state of mind.

I mean, at least I'm not in the Phillipines, right? At least there's that.

Ouch, Poots. That's an awful feeling.

Hi everyone! Long time, no post from me! Good to see you all. Congrats Mia and Jim! Sorry to hear about that, Pooter! (you'll get em next time!)

Random drop in here...

By any chance does anyone know anything awesome happening in London around New Years? Was hoping the Chems would be playing a NYE show, since spontaneous Xmas holidays have gone trans-Atlantic.

Hey I need to drop in too! I'm trying to feed my 4 week old son right now, but he's too tired... Then he'll wake up and flip out that he's hungry, just like his dad : /
Anyway, sorry poots about the test! Hang in there. Mia, when are y'all heading up here again?! Bosco & Darkstar, when's the next Coachella trip? Shit, I'll need a babysitter.

...inchem, you too re: Coachella. Bring water, stay hydrated!

MadPooter, on 23 November 2013 - 9:25 AM, said:

BULLSHIT RU KIDDIN ME?

I'm so sorry Pooter! I know you worked your ass off on that exam. I wish I could throw you a care package of encouragement your way right now but Amazon won't deliver it by monday. Hopefully your wingfriends could all chip in over the weekend to get your mind off things.

Darkstarexodus, on 23 November 2013 - 9:11 PM, said:

I know Sasha is doing 02 academy, if that's your cup of tea of course. Good to see you on the boards again!

Biff, on 23 November 2013 - 10:16 PM, said:

The chemical dad hard at work 24/7! Oh...and belated congrats to you fine parents on the little one coming into the world.

Biff, on 23 November 2013 - 10:26 PM, said:

Thanx for reliving my embarrassing moment there Biff! Ha!

Thanks for the suggestion! We had seen that Sasha event and as it stands that is the tentative plan. We'll see what else comes up.

Not sure when the next Coachella trip will be though. Guess it depends on Tom + Ed really.

Darkstarexodus, on 24 November 2013 - 12:47 PM, said:

How long past NYE are you over for Darkstar? Want a pint? I get back the 2nd.

Yay darkstar.

Sidenote: yeah if Ed could just go ahead and stop tweeting and start mixing that would be great.

Oh and before I forget Darkstar. Kid Koala and Quantic are doing a set down at Village Underground in Shoreditch for NYE with the Soundcrash boys. Another option if you're interested.