After leaving Paris this morning around 11, we finally arrived in Munich nine hours later. Needless to say, the drive had its highlights. Unfortunately, I left the camera at our new flat (along with a somewhat disoriented Dennis the Cat). So look for pictures to be posted tomorrow as we'll have plenty of time on our hands while the movers manipulate our furniture up six flights of stairs and through the window.
I may be in transit, but that won't stop the music. Sure, there are headshots to accompany each dance pick this week, but my computer resources are limited. Besides that, it's all about the music!
Because we couldn't get on the road to Munich until tomorrow, tonight we're staying at the Westin in Paris (one of the few hotels that would accept a large dog like Maddie and that had availability). Sadly, it sounds as though we have a crying baby next door. And because it's an old hotel, the little annoyance might as well be pooping its diapers next to me. With my ear plugs packed away in the car, it looks to be a long night ahead.
This morning they stuck me in this box because they thought it was funny. In any other circumstance, I would have been in heaven. But because it wasn't my choice to be in there, I thought it was obnoxious.
It looks like we're moving. I think we're moving. Last time they did this, I was shoved in a crate and shipped overseas for 10 hours. I sure hope they aren't going to do that to me again. Don't they know I now have a bad hip?
We recently found this flyer on our doorstep for a Physical party this Sunday night in Paris. For starters, these models look tired - very tired. They need to stay home and rest. But this is what happens to Parisians who party every weekend. They're 25 but look twice their age. It sure doesn't make we want to go out and dance from 11 p.m. to 8 a.m.
...for now (I always have to clarify these kinds of thoughts because I don't want the "powers that be" to assume I mean forever). Not that we'll act much differently than before. Saturday and Sunday morning we'll go to the gym. We'll most likely shop a little. We'll try to avoid the baguettes and eat healthy (a result of lingering back fat) until Fat Girl Sunday when we'll have our last (for now) pizza night in Paris. And because our satellite gets disconnected on Wednesday, we have five episodes of Boston Legal to watch. Yes, on the surface our weekend isn't much different than someone's three day holiday in Peoria. But we have one thing they don't have - a Parisian view from our floor to ceiling windows and FG Dance radio pumping in the background.
For this week's Club Fridays, I contemplated featuring just one artist and two different songs. But after finding two new remixes today, I had to wait. There's always next week. You'll also notice the links are via Evilshare. It's as simple as the others, but to reduce spam and such, you have to enter a code you'll find next to the "download" button. It's similar to what yahoo periodically asks you to do.
Up first is Mike Rizzo's rendition of Roller Coaster by relatively unknown artist Erika Jayne. There's not many words, but the few she mutters are down right catchy. I've also included the electro version as sometimes it's more appropriate for me at the gym when I'm pushing it on the stairclimber. For the Mike Rizzo link, go here. For the Dave Pezza Electro link, go here. To learn more about Erika, including additional remixes available and full album release date, go here
The second remix this week is both new and old. Ciara's Get Up has been out for a while, but a new promo CD was just released - and includes one mix I'm featuring by Digital Dog. I've included their mixes a lot lately as I enjoy the simplicity of their remixes - along with their use of synthesizers and 80's inspired instrumentation. For the Digital Dog link, go here.
Please note: the songs featured on this site are notices to links only (and mostly unavailable for purchase). I do not upload any music - I merely share the links to tracks I find interesting and noteworthy. Should you care to have the material removed, simply send me an email.
No Justin. Not that it's a big surprise. Fame, in all forms, eludes me. We did spot Katarina Witt in Munich at our hotel while eating breakfast last month. But that doesn't really count. She's so 1988.
I stopped by the salon this morning to make an appointment for a color touch-up later today before working out. Even though there was an opening immediately, I decided to wait. I then headed to the gym. As I was unpacking my bag, I was told Justin Timberlake was there yesterday afternoon and was planning on being there again today (before his second concert tonight in Paris). So, like any star-chasing lunatic, I grabbed my bad, ran back to the salon, and rescheduled my day so I could return to the gym between 2 and 4 to hopefully catch a glimpse (and autograph) of Mr. Timberlake (even though I'm not THAT big of a fan). I wonder how he'll react if I ask for his John Hancock? So the questions are: (1) Will I see him and (2) If I do, will I ask for his signature? It's now 1:35. Back in two hours.
Showing the apartment was once amusing. It's now a pain in my ass. When we returned from Barcelona, I had 12 voice mails from possible renters wanting to visit the apartment (which subsequently used all of my cell phone minutes this month - something I've never accomplished in two years).
While in Barcelona this weekend, once again we stayed at Casa Camper Hotel. Having had a great stay at this shoe maker's hotel in February 2006, we returned for another visit. This time, however, we noticed something quite odd - the majority of guests were over 60. I'm not sure this is what the hotel had in mind for its clientele.
Gold shoes and shaved eyebrows weren't the only trend we spotted in Barcelona. It seems "man boobs" are all the rage as well. Everywhere we looked we saw man breasts poking through tanks, t-shirs and sweaters. Nobody said all trends are worthy of exploration.
There are numerous companies that sell body toning products for men. These manufacturers claim their gels and creams work miracles on fat. I've personally never bought into their lies. If losing weight was that easy, we'd all look like cover models. Now I have proof that what they advertise is nothing more than glorified hand soap.
I don't know why I check the weather on-line. It's always wrong. For example, both weather.com and accuweather forecasted Barcelona's weather to be rainy and 68 degrees this weekend. It turned out to be sunny, almost 80 and gorgeous. I'd rather have the latter. But when you're hiking through Park Guell to find the Casa Museu Gaudi (and the sight of America's Next Top Model Series 8 Fashion Show), you don't want to be wearing jeans and a t-shirt. Sweaty balls aren't fun.
When we travel, rarely do we go out past 10 p.m. This is, of course, if we're alone and not accompanied by friends. Otherwise, they usually drag us out until we shuffle away around 1 or 2 a.m. But tonight in Barcelona, we thought we'd be adventurous and have a drink after dinner in the "hood." Not only was boystown hard to find but apparently everyone was either still at dinner or just waking up. The bars were empty. The clubs weren't open. We returned to our hotel around 11 p.m. - almost right on schedule. So much for being different.
Sitting here ready for bed
I don't like to cook. But because I'm the "stay at home" in this relationship, I win the role by default. As a result, I find myself having dinner theme nights that correlate with what we watch on TV. I didn't plan it that way. It just happened.
Because we're off to Barcelona tomorrow for a long weekend, Club Fridays is relocating to Thursday this week. I could have always waited to post tomorrow morning, but knowing how crazy I get before we leave (between the gym and touching up the house for the dog sitter), it's better to attend to the music today. Consider it a jump start to your weekend!
I'm not a big fan of Amerie. I'm not a big fan of hip hop/R & B really. But with Tracy Young's help, Take Control takes on a completely different vibe - one that I like. Link available here.
In the past few years, Rihanna has proven herself a hitmaker with both the original and dance versions of her songs. Her new single Umbrella is poised to be smash this summer as it's generating buzz at radio and clubs. Jody Den Broder Takes his turn on the remix creating an energetic record. Link available here.
Please note: the songs featured on this site are notices to links only (and mostly unavailable for purchase). I do not upload any music - I merely share the links to tracks I find interesting and noteworthy. Should you care to have the material removed, simply send me an email.
Well I hardly think this is fair. Why should bald men have to pay for toupees when women and children can get insurance to foot the bill? They are capable of wearing a hat just as easily as men when it comes to protecting their head from the elements. Discrimination I tell you.
We depart for Munich two weeks from today. It's amazing how fast the past few months have gone. It makes me think just how fast the next 10-12 months will fly by. More so when I factor in what we have planned: Lisbon in July, Mykonos in August, Joel and Mike visiting in early September, Paddy, Dave, Matt, Paul and Tom visiting at the first of October, our trip to Hungary at the end of October, Thanksgiving, Lisa and Elizabeth's visit in December, Christmas, New Years...and look, it's already February when I'll hopefully begin the process of finding a house back in Chicago. Makes those 12 months seem like two!
According to this report, French are the biggest whiners about work. And that's a surprise? If I've learned anything while living in Paris, the French like to be unhappy.
We miss our home back in Chicago - the yard, the peace and quiet, the odor-free living space. Fortunately for us, our neighbor Marty can easily take pictures of our former residence and the area around it to keep us advised of the comings and goings of 1449 W. Cullom (it's hard to let go).
Our Cheesy Fun arrived in 42 minutes. They must have left the pizza in for those additional 12 minutes as it was slighty burnt. But at least they found the apartment!
It's Fat Girl Sunday, so we planned to have homemade pizza. But when we realized we didn't have any pizza crusts (because I left them at the grocery store apparently), we decided to order from Pizza Hut for the very first time.
Nothing exemplifies European entertainment better than the Eurovision song contest. Ironically, most of the acts can’t sing. If anything, the competition is more of an talent show with the performance serving as the main entree with the vocals pushed to a side dish. With that being said, for those of you who couldn't watch the marathon program on-line or via satellite, here’s what’s worth repeating:
We're back to ladies week with two new songs by Kaci and Nelly Furtado. Both are quite light and perfect for summer.
She had a big hit with Instigator. And thanks to Aurora, she returns with something a bit more house oriented with Can't Help Myself. Link available here.
You heard Dave Aude's remix of Kelly's Never Again last week, so it makes two in row for the synthesizer loving producer. All Good Things Come to an End (Dave Aude Mix) keeps if fairly simple, but because the original is so good, it's worth a listen. Link available here.
Please note: the songs featured on this site are notices to links only (and mostly unavailable for purchase). I do not upload any music - I merely share the links to tracks I find interesting and noteworthy. Should you care to have the material removed, simply send me an email.
At this moment, I’m watching the Eurovision semi-finals. And honestly, you don’t know what you’re missing. It’s like watching the Miss U.S.A. pageant opening sequence on crack (where they parade around in their individual state costumes). 27 countries are vying for 14 spots where they’ll join the current 10 finalists this Saturday night for the Eurovision showdown. There was everything from dancing vampires, drag queens and angry metal bands to yoadling folk singers, florescent opera singers and overweight aliens.
I sure hope this isn't a sign of things to come. This past weekend, a storm blew through Munich - pushing open one of our balcony doors and causing water damage to the floor. Even though we just stopped by on Friday to measure for a refrigerator and look at the paint job, we're being told it's our responsibility because we took possession the first of the month. "Oh no you di-n't."
We move in three weeks. And apparently, until then, I'm in charge of managing showing the apartment to those interested in renting it. This wasn't a job I interviewed for. I guess I won it by default.
Sometimes I can't ignore commenting on U.S. news - especially from Chicago. Apparently, a billboard in the Windy City caused quite a ruckus. I personally find it quite humorous.
It used to be when I watched TV programs, the majority of characters were older than me. From Dynasty to Friends, the shows depicted the trials and tribulations of those my senior. But as I watched for the first time What About Brian on our satellite tonight, I realized I’m now the same age as many of the inhabitants on prime time.
Who knew Jodie Foster was bi-lingual? Who knew Jodie Foster could sing? Who knew Jodie Foster looked so lovely in a matching brown vest and beret?
We flew to Munich so I could visit our new home come June 1st. Let's just say the weekend was a bit rough with some arguments thrown in for good measure. After seeing the flat Chris selected a few weeks back, I agreed with him that it's nice. The problem I have is that the apartment is located in what I'd call a transitional neighborhood. Not transitional in the fact that crack houses line the street. It's just there's not much around in terms of cute restaurants and shops. They're coming, but not there yet. Fortunately, the train stop is only two minutes away so we can be in the middle of Munich within five minutes. That makes everything much more tolerable. And on top of that, we requested one wall in the flat to be painted a very light silver with a hint of blue to pick up the hues in our couch. What we got was a nauseating pastel blue backdrop. So, now we have to have it repainted due to someone's error. We once again returned to Leo's Sports Club - apparently the only gym in Munich with a free weight area bigger than a closet. It looks like this will be my home away from home. No other fitness club in Munich could come close to what they have to offer. And since everyone told me Leo's is the place to go (including models who get a discount for being pretty), the decision was pretty much made for me. I'll just have to get over the one open shower and embrace the German's ambivalence towards nudity. We met a friend of a friend at Leo's (the result of the gay distress signal we illuminated a few weeks back to make new friends in Munich). I was told he was a "party planner for the army." Turns out he runs the American Consulate in Munich. Talk about a crossing of wires. Even worse, I couldn't even tell you what a consulate was or what exactly they do. He did say, however, he's known to have thrown a "good party or two." We hope to join him and his partner Fillipe for dinner once we arrive in three weeks. I guess my blonde behavior didn't frighten him away.
At first, I found Kelly Clarkson's new song Never Again horribly lacking any hook or melody - which carried over into the dance remix by Dave Aude. But what I've found over the past two weeks is that Aude's version grows on you by supplementing the original with an enhanced chorus. As a result, it cracks Club Fridays. Link available here.
The fear of failure can be quite powerful. Over the past year, an idea for a young reader book has been percolating inside my head. I've let the details come naturally vs. forcing them into fictional box. Two months ago, the last missing details of my 100 page story came to me as I was locked out of our apartment. I was, however, afraid to sit down and start typing. What if all I could muster was the idea and not the words?
It was announced today that Germany has the dubious distinction of being crowned the "Fattest Country in Europe." Great. Not only does that mean maintaining my figure will be quite difficult, but also there might not be much eye candy to keep me motivated at the gym.
Today at the market I stumbled across a new Pringles flavor. Under their Light Aromas line, the new Pringles Mediterranean Style Salsa with a touch of Oregano Oil brought a smile to my face. But it wasn't until I got home and sampled the new variety that I showed all my pearly whites. Not only are new chips lower in fat, the flavor beats those traditional and ho-hum varieties like Sour Cream and Onion. What will they think of next?
The summer travel season is fast approaching. Last year, it seemed we had something almost every weekend. This year, it's a bit different as we're moving the last weekend of May and settling in to Munich the first week of June. We have trips scheduled in July and possibly the last week of August, but something tells me the party bug may creep in and motivate me to go to other destinations like Madrid for Europride 2007.
I love seeing a film on its opening day. The crowd is different than other times - they're more full of energy and excitement. Today's showing of Spiderman in Paris was no different. Someone came dressed like Spiderman and entertained the crowds. It wasn't even hot or smelly (something we've come to expect). Instead, it was a relatively pleasant day at the movies.
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