Chad Pinther Heats Things Up

Teary Eyed @ X Factor

Just one more reason why Alexandra Burke deserves to win the X Factor competition in the UK. She's an all around performer with an amazing voice. Unfortunately, I'm afraid the teeny bopper crowd will crown one of her competitors. But that shouldn't stop Alexandra from making a name for herself in the music biz. Check out her performance of Beyonce's Listen below as well as her take on Britney's Toxic (as it was Ms. Spears week). The latter doesn't showcase Alexandra's vocals, but it proves she's a 19 year old who can own the stage.

Thanksgiving in Munich

As it was our last official American holiday in Europe, we decided to properly celebrate Thanksgiving with our friends from Switzerland and Germany. Such was the international affair with Tilo, Molly, David, David, Chris and I along with a 20 pound turkey with cranberry topping, mashed potatoes, gravy, sweet buttered corn, green bean casserole, cornbread stuffing, roasted sprouts, fresh baked rolls, followed by a game of Sequence, Phase 10, pumpkin pie, pumpkin cheesecake and 70s iTunes radio. In one word - perfect.

What I Find Interesting

Scott Simmons, VP and founding patner of Crist/Kolder Associates, an executive recruiting firm in Chicago, says, "Perception is a big deal when it comes to places," said Simmons, adding that it's important to have candidates visit the city before making a decision. "Everybody has preconceived notions.... Everybody thinks Chicago is Siberia when it comes to late fall and winter."

Chicago is cold, but it's hardly Siberia come winter. Being from Kansas, the Sunflower state can be colder - and usually is. Chicago just takes longer to thaw.

Dave is up just four hours later after taking a sleeping pill that he hoped would force feed him some rest in order to combat the post nasal drip.

Because thousands of you aren't connected to me on Facebook, I thought I'd duplicate the social networking site's "Status Update" for readers of PTT.

What's Up with Kylie's Boombox

It was announced today that Kylie's Boombox, a remix album set for a January 5 release date, will include the following hits and dance versions:

"Can't Get Blue Monday Out Of My Head" (Bootleg with New Order)
"Spinning Around" (7th District Club Mental Mix)
"Wow" (Death Metal Disco Scene Mix)
"Love At First Sight" (Kid Creme Vocal Dub)
"Slow" (Chemical Brothers Mix)
"Come Into My World" (Fischerspooner Mix)
"Red Blooded Woman" (Whitey Mix)
"I Believe In You" (Mylo Mix)
"In Your Eyes" (Knuckleheadz Mix)
"2 Hearts" (Mark Brown's Pacha Ibiza Upper Terrace Mix)
"On A Night Like This" (Bini & Martini Mix)
"Giving You Up" (Riton Re-Rub Vocal Mix)
"In My Arms" (Sebastien Leger Vocal Mix)
"The One" (Britrocka Remix)
"Your Disco Needs You" (Casino Mix)
"Boombox" (LA Riots Remix)

In the Company of Strangers

So while many of you sat down with loved ones this holiday, Chris, our friend Dave and I enjoyed the company of a random stranger tonight at dinner. We ventured around the corner to a "chicken hut" restaurant we've never tried. And because the place was full, we were placed at a four top with where one old man was currently sitting. He spoke very little English so it's not as though much conversation was to be had. Essentially, we ignored him - but not in a bad way. We kept to ourselves while he finished his pork knuckle with potato.

Dave is excited that Chris just found one box of Hamburger Helper Lasagna and one box of Tuna Helper Creamy Pasta in the cabinet.

Because thousands of you aren't connected to me on Facebook, I thought I'd duplicate the social networking site's "Status Update" for readers of PTT.

Happy Turkey Day!

Becoming a Reality

Chris just booked my flight back home on December 19th. We depart Munich, bound for home, at 3:35 p.m., arriving Chicago at 6:30 p.m. From there, we'll head to Target to buy Dennis a new cat box for his stay at DPs, along with a stop at Chipotle for a burrito I've been craving for weeks.

How do I feel? I'm conflicted. I'm both excited and nervous. Our time in Europe has been such an adventure. And even though we're ready to move home, part of me will miss everything that's been available to us while living in Paris and Munich: the few friends we've made, our travels and daily new experiences. Not to say that we won't have many more adventures living in Chicago, they'll just be different.

And how odd is it that Peter, Paul and Mary's I'm Leaving on a Jet Plane just started playing on my 70s channel. "All my bags are packed and I'm ready to go." Now that's freaky.

This is Why I Heart X Factor

Is It Really Thanksgiving?

One day before the holiday, it surely doesn't feel like Thanksgiving. That's no surprise as it's not a celebration in Germany. But to help us get in the mood for holidays 08', Chris has decided to cook a Thanksgiving feast this weekend. We've invited DP from Switzerland, Molly, David, Tilo (and guest as his girlfriend is away), Mark and Greg to join us for a late dinner on Saturday featuring turkey and all the dressings. From there, we'll wander downtown to the Christmas market for a little holiday cheer. So, it may not be your traditional Thanksgiving, but it will be one to remember as it will be our last (for now) in Europe (I always state "for now" as I'm superstitious).

Blogger Did It Again

My Club One posting from a few days ago was ripped down by Blogger. Even though I make note that I'm sharing information readily available on the internet, and that I don't upload any music, they still yanked the post. I'm obviously being watched now as it's the second time this has happened. I still don't see how the "sharing of information" is illegal. It would be like me making note of a coupon offer for a McDonald's Quarter Pounder with Cheese. Whatever Blogger. You can kiss my "arss." See their notice below:

Blogger has been notified, according to the terms of the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA), that certain content in your blog infringes upon the copyrights of others. The URL(s) of the allegedly infringing post(s) may be found at the end of this message.

The notice that we received from the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry (IFPI) and the record companies it represents, with any personally identifying information removed, will be posted online by a service called Chilling Effects at http://www.chillingeffects.org. We do this in accordance with the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA). Please note that it may take Chilling Effects up to several weeks to post the notice online at the link provided.

The IFPI is a trade association that represents over 1,400 major and independent record companies in the US and internationally who create, manufacture and distribute sound recordings (the "IFPI Represented Companies")

The DMCA is a United States copyright law that provides guidelines for online service provider liability in case of copyright infringement. We are in the process of removing from our servers the links that allegedly infringe upon the copyrights of others. If we did not do so, we would be subject to a claim of copyright infringement, regardless of its merits. See http://www.educause.edu/Browse/645?PARENT_ID=254 for more information about the DMCA, and see http://www.google.com/dmca.html for the process that Blogger requires in order to make a DMCA complaint.

Blogger can reinstate these posts upon receipt of a counter notification pursuant to sections 512(g)(2) and 3) of the DMCA. For more information about the requirements of a counter notification and a link to a sample counter notification, see http://www.google.com/dmca.html#counter.

Please note that repeated violations to our Terms of Service may result in further remedial action taken against your Blogger account. If you have legal questions about this notification, you should retain your own legal counsel. If you have any other questions about this notification, please let us know.

Pure Satisfaction

A friend from high school just forwarded to me a few pictures from a reunion held this past week. My classmates gathered to celebrate the 20th year anniversary of them winning 3A state football in 1988. From what I saw, I'm now even more fortunate for inheriting the gay gene.

My classmates obviously never walk away from the food table. Besides that, they apparently don't know how to buy a proper fitting pair of jeans - and ones that aren't a faded blue from 1993. This includes the captains of the football team.

I was never good friends with them. It actually took almost four years for us to be civilized to one another (all because of a silly incident when I was a freshman). So do I gleam a bit of satisfaction from their apparent lack gym time and unappealing dress code? You bet.

X-Citing Music Nooz

Kylie will be releasing a remix album in January. Boombox features 16 remixes of Kylie tracks produced between 2000 and 2008, including reworkings by Chemical Brothers, Mylo and Fischerspooner. Britney will be appearing on X Factor this week followed by a quick stop at G-A-Y in London.

A Lasting Impression

We saw this issue of Tetu splashed all over Paris. What a lasting impression from our "Goodbye (for Now)" trip to Paris.

Thank You Italy's Vanity Fair

With this cover for Vanity Fair in Italy, you can easily see why Hugh Jackman was named People's "Sexiest Man Alive." I don't know what's changed for Hugh over the past few years, but whatever he's drinking sure is working. That, and a little airbrushing helps too. Yum!

Briefly...

I'm back in Munich. 5 hours delayed in Paris. Irritated but safe and sound. That's what's important, right?

Chuck 2 the Rescue

One of our faves in Paris is L'usine Club de Sport. So, today we're going to go workout before venturing to the Marais for falafel. Unfortunately, Chris forgot his gym shoes so now I'm forced to wear my Chucks in both the weight room and around Paris. Though, it's not like Munich where you can't wear your street shoes in the gym. Besides that, Converse shoes were originally for basketball so it's not as though I'm wearing slippers. So, mabye I'll be a trendsetter.

Dave is happy his wallet never saw the light of day in Paris.

Still Awake in Paris

Yes, I'm still awake. Which, is a surprise as we had to get going this morning at 4 a.m. to catch our 6 a.m. flight to Paris. I suppose it helps that we've been walking around Paris ever since our arrival. So, for the past 8 hours, we've ventured into pastry shops, department stores, restaurants, and boutique stores - all of which are our favorites. Because this weekend is all about us enjoying everything from the smallest details to the grandest pleasures in Paris. It's our chance to say goodbye - for now.

Off 2 Paris 2 Say Goodbye (4 Now)

Tomorrow morning, on a 6:30 a.m. flight, we leave for Paris. Yes, a 6:30 a.m. flight. We wanted to go say goodbye to those small but important elements of a city we called home for 2 years. Unfortunately, it's on a 6:30 a.m. flight. I told Chris I'm sure I'll need an afternoon nap. Dave Lutman isn't a morning person - especially at 6:30 in the morning.

P.S. - Part of me wonders why I just made this post. I don't like to leave notes before I fly. And this, I believe, qualifies as a note. So part of me wants to delete the entry. Just call me crazy. (knock on wood three times...knock, knock, knock).

Making a Confession

I'm actually getting used to not having TV. I've decided to slowly adjust myself as by the end of the month, our satellite will go dead. So, no TV until 5. Then, it's even limited. Which means when we return to America, we'll have a huge appetite for our favorite shows and channels. Chris and I were joking last night that we'll never leave. Our friends will ask, "Where's Dave and Chris?" And someone will reply, "They're watching TLC."

Jody den Broeder just "released" this dirty club version of Christina's Keeps Gettin' Better. Its driving beat kicks all the other remixes to the curb. Check it out HERE.

Please note: PTT doesn't upload any music - only providing links to (mostly) tracks unavailable for purchase (at the time of posting) and readily noted on the net.

Well This Sucks

Just in time for our trip to Paris tomorrow morning, an arctic cold front is sweeping across Western Europe. Sure, it will be about 10 degrees warmer in Paris than Munich, but shopping and dining in the City of Lights just isn't as much fun when it's 38 degrees and sleeting in the evening. Why couldn't the 50 degree weather hold on for just a few days? That says Paris to me in November. 50 degrees and cloudy. Oh well. I suppose we'll just have to eat our baguette quickly so it doesn't freeze.

Dave is enjoying the sticky mango rice Chris brought back from Bangkok.

Since thousands of you aren't on Facebook, or at least aren't connected to me on Facebook, I thought I'd start a "Status Update" for the blog. In short, it's a blip about what's up. Twitter tried to pull it off, and I tried to jump start it, but it never launched. So, why not duplicate it for the blog?

My Trip 2 the Gym

Because the trains were backed up today, I got to ride to the gym in a subway car filled to the brim with people. As a result, I was squished up next to someone who smelled like garlic. I tried not to look him in the eyes either. Instead, I gazed around looking at German ads. All of which made me want a car real bad.

Hitler Had One Ball?

Did U know that Hitler only had one ball? And it wasn't a bowling ball.

Another Bad Decision

My friend Tom mentioned that "he likes my commentary on the financial state of affairs in the US." So, of course I'm obliged to outline additional thoughts on the auto makers bailout requests. Even though the big three are begging for money, they should absolutely NOT get any money to save their butts. Why? Because they made bad decisions - just like this one to fly private jets to ask for dough.

Same Difference. Bad Execution.

Not all Europop is good. Same Difference, a top 10 finalist in last year's X Factor, is a prime example of the bad influence High School Musical is having on new releases. Check out their video below (if you're really, really, really bored).

Making Change

I don't know what it is about the Germans, but they like precise change. So if you try to give them any amount that's not close to what's owed, they stop and ask you to dig for coins to make things exact. Heavens forbid you force them to MAKE change.

Train of Thought

I just made note to Chris that I don't know what day it is today. Tuesday or Wednesday? Because my schedule is quite flexible, I have no governing meetings. I think it's Wednesday as I waited yesterday to make few stateside phone calls (nobody wants to be bothered on Monday). I know, let me check on my computer...

Yep, it's Wednesday. Good to know. Ooh, that reminds me, The Big Bang Theory starts tonight with a double bill. Oh, how sad our satellite goes dead in less than two weeks. That's okay. I've been keeping myself entertained with watching the latest TV shows on the net. Sadly, the quality isn't the best, but beggars can't be choosers.

The House Report

I just received our first official Lakewood email. Apparently there are two block "reps" who send information to neighbors about five times a week - yes five emails a week. I guess there's much to tell about Lakewood Balmoral.

I actually think it's pretty cool that the block, and the hood, is that pulled together. I say that now. When they're all up in our biz, I might think otherwise.

Gay UK

Boyzone, a boy band from the late 1990s and early 2000s, recently released a video for their single, Better. In it, Stephen Gately, one of the "band" members, is featured with his long time partner. Gately was quoted as saying, "I came out in 1999 and it was a big issue at the time and I don't think I could have done this video without having a guy in the video. I think it's important for me to be true to myself. The lads were saying, 'You've got to do this'. They were pushing saying, 'This would be fantastic'. It's the first of its kind. That's why I went for it." Oh how those who voted Yes on H8 would love this!

Leona Lewis on X Factor

Unlike a few years ago when I made note of Leona Lewis and X Factor, now you know who she is. This past weekend, Leona returned to the X Factor stage to sing her latest power ballad Run (a former Snow Patrol track). The single is included on a re-release out this week in the UK. Check it out below. It'll give you goosebumps.

More 2 Cents

I'm watching the bailout hearings. I seriously think it's wrong for the American taxpayer to bailout the car companies. They made poor choices and we shouldn't be expected to pay for them. When the Japanese were investing in their infrastructure, building smaller and more fuel efficient cars, American car companies were intent on moving forward with the SUV. Besides that, where will the handouts stop? I say, let the chips fall where they may. And this is coming from someone who is looking for a job when he returns to Chicago. Will I get a bailout because the economy has struck the Europeans and, as a result, they can't afford the luxury of consultant creative services?

My Two Cents

Having just heard Britney's latest release, Circus, I'm a bit disappointed. There are a few decent songs, but the CD is mostly filled with mediocre filler. The second single being pulled from Circus is its title track. I think they should go deeper and avoid the Piece of Me duplicate. Instead, select If U Seek Amy or Shattered Glass.

By Request: The Great Mouse Hunt Revisited

Yep, it still makes me laugh every time. And it makes Michelle in Wichita laugh too. So, she requested to see it again. And please, please ignore how girlie I sound (I'm not sure what came over me). Just call me "Jack McFarland."




click here to download
The other night, I didn't know why Maddie and Dennis were running around the house at midnight. Once I paid attention, I saw Dennis was playing with something. At first, I thought it was his own furball. Upon closer examination, I realized it was a small, gray mouse. Of course, I shrieked followed by a sprint the bedroom to wake Chris from his slumber.

I'm not sure where the mouse came from. I'm not sure if we'll have more. But I do know Dennis has improved his hunting skills since Saugatuck and that I now have an idea for a kids book swirling around in my head.

TO LAUNCH MOVIE:
(1) CLICK WHERE INDICATED
(2) FOR INTERNET EXPLORER USERS (PC), CLICK IMAGE (or)
(3) COPY LINK BELOW INTO ADDRESS BAR
http://ia300228.us.archive.org/3/items/The_Great_Mouse_Hunt/
TheGreatMouseHunt.mov

I Can Never Show it Enough

Blogging Live: Sunday Night

I just stumbled across V The Final Battle on the Sci Fi channel. It's not part one or two (The Mini Series), but part three that aired in 1984 - one year after the first two installments. Part four and five air tomorrow night and Tuesday.

I remember talking V in shop class while we whittled wood. I also remember the odd feeling I felt when I saw Marc Singer in his tight blue jeans (seriously, they couldn't be any tighter). Of course, I never mentioned those feelings to my fellow classmates (let alone myself). But now, I'm free as a bird to say that Marc Singer had quite a butt. I guess that's why he was the Beastmaster.

Oh, and if you're interested, you can buy the image, in an 8 1/2" x 11" size, signed and personalized, for just $22.00. Check out Marc's website for further details.

Housing Report: Nov. 16th

We're nearing the end of permit drawings with hopes to have them released next week to contractors (with bids expected to come back in three to four weeks with construction starting two or three weeks later). So, in the meantime, our architect and designer pulled together the color palette for the exterior. Based on our input for a more natural approach, with subtle tones of tan, green and maroon, the suggested finishes are exactly what we hoped to see.

One of My Current Faves

Remember Sash? He's back with a mash-up of his Encore Une Fois with Stunt's Raindrops. It's rave crossed with techno - not a usual pick of mine. But, when you're wanting some hard hitting tunes at the gym, it's sure to keep you motivated. Watch the video below. And if you want to check out the extended mix, one that's unavailable for purchase, go HERE.

Making the Most of Sunday

It's Sunday, and there's not much going on in Munich. The stores are closed. The weather is dreary. So, since Chris is gone, I've decided I'm going to make a day out of it by going to the museum. Now for all of you who know me well, you can't get up off of the floor now. And for those of you who don't, in short, I'm not a fan of the museum. I can go through the Louvre in 20 minutes. I just feel since we have only 5 weeks left in Munich, I should try to visit those places I've avoided thus far - whether I'll enjoy them or not! From there, I anticipate stopping by McDonald's for a salad. Now doesn't that sound fun?

Learning Something Everyday

As I was driving to the gym this morning, I wondered why the streets were lined with policemen (and policewomen of course). Turns out there was a Neo Nazi demonstration today. Based on the Germans' attitude towards Hitler and the Nazis, I was surprised to learn the government would allow such an activity to even take place.

Later in the day, I decided to walk around downtown and check out the nuisance. Quite honestly, it looked like a bunch of young punk kids wearing black, with crazy hair and multiple piercings complaining about everything. So I came home to do some research on Neo Nazis. Crazy to think think this group has such ideologies.

The X-Mas Markets Got Me Thinking...

It might just be me, but don't you love the little Elf? I'm calling him Jangles. Just wait until you see what PTT has selected as the 12 Days of Christmas. David Williams comes to mind for Day 1. Ooh la la.

Gloom & Doom

Just a sampling of the doom and gloom economic stories being featured on multiple websites. Consider it my way of making you grateful for the job you have. My personal favorite is the first story noted as I'm looking for a job in Chicago. Good times!

Chicago area prepares for mass layoffs.
Europe falls into a recession.
Sun Microsystems to cut 6,000 jobs.
Retail numbers come crashing down.

Raising Awareness for 1100 Torches

My cousin Teresa, who's an active member of many social awareness groups in Kansas, wanted me to share this with everyone. If PTT can impact one individual to make a difference, then I've done my part. Check out 1100 Torches to learn more about Jana Mackey, her tragic death and the ultimate birth of an organization founded to help serve others.

The First Sign of Christmas

I saw the first sign of Munich's Christmas market today. Gentlemen were topping street lamps with stars and workers were delivering booths in preparation for the beginning of the holiday season on Nov. 28th.

Euro Spots That Tickle Our Fancy

Friday Calls 4 Club Fridays

Because Jason Nevins has had much success remixing the likes of every pop song made available this year, Mike Rizzo decided to alter his productions to encompass a more rock influenced and high BPM style similar to Mr. Nevins. The change seems to be working as his Funk Generation remix of David Archuleta's Crush is getting attention. Check it out.

Please note: PTT doesn't upload any music - only sharing links to files readily accessible (and unavailable for purchase at the time of posting) on the net. Which means it's truly for promotional purposes only.

Sad News

It regrets me to note that NBC has cancelled Lipstick Jungle. Sadly, this was one of our favorite shows these past few months. Not only did the story and characters grow on us, but Robert Buckley and his shirtless scenes made us keep coming back for more, and more, and more. Now where will he go? Maybe to Munich on the United Flight 126 leaving LA at 2:30 p.m.?

Amazing Words

"All, too, will bear in mind this sacred principle, that though the will of the majority is in all cases to prevail, that will to be rightful must be reasonable; that the minority possess their equal rights, which equal law must protect, and to violate would be oppression."

- Thomas Jefferson

Getting the Message Across

The UK sure doesn't mind being graphic to get a message across. Check out an ad for buckling your seatbelt. When I first saw it, I thought, "What the..."

Where Does it Stop?

It seems as though the US government feels the need to bail out everybody. Where does their assistance stop? And if I'm a small business owner in Chicago who can't pay my bills, does that mean I can turn to the government for a bail out also? Again, I say go hunt down all those big bonuses that were handed out over the years to the CEOs and upper managers of these flailing organizations.

New & Noteworthy: Alesha Dixon

She was an original member of Mis-Teeq (remember Scandalous anyone?). Now Alesha Dixon is out and on her own. Check out her Mambo style track The Boy Does Nothing that's storming up the UK charts. And as an added bonus, take a listen to the Bimbo Jones remix.

Blogging Live: Wed. Morn.

I'm trying to get up and around but unfortunately, it hasn't been easy. I don't know if it was the omelet I ate last night, or the turkey slices I munched on before bed (that had an expiration date of 11/7), but something didn't settle right. I woke-up in the middle of the night (which ISN'T a surprise) nauseous and with a headache. And, it lasted until about 11 a.m. this morning. I have that "hung over" feeling without any of the fun associated with it. But after having a bowl of oatmeal, I hope I return to my normal self. Not that I should rush outside. It's cold and rainy.

Hair Made Easy

After spotting the Hair Made on a UK infomercial, I had to post. After all, Christmas is just around the corner! But as I was looking for the spot on Youtube, I stumbled across this 70s commercial featuring Farah and all her flips. Check it out. It's easy - and it's fast!

Thanks 2 Mr. Olbermann

I didn't know this guy before watching the video so I have no preset opinions of Mr. Olbermann. But, I'll say his commentary on Prop 8 is beautifully stated. Sure, at times, it jumps the shark a bit in its pageantry, but the end result has a wonderful takeaway for anybody who watches the clip. Here's hoping those who voted YES stop and take a moment to absorb his thoughts

Another Bailout?

Is it me, or is everybody else getting frustrated by how it's now the US taxpayers responsibility to "bailout" company after company after company. I know these US employers feed the economy and provide jobs. But it amazes me that just because these companies were unable to adjust their business models to meet the ever-changing times, we now need to provide assistance. Especially when there are hundreds of upper managers and CEOs who I'm sure did quite well when bonuses were handed out around Christmas. Maybe we should ask for these checks back.

Ronald (and Stock Holders) R Happy

McDonald's same store sales rose 8.2% in October. That sure does make Ronald and stock holders happy.

Ace of Base Returns!

Ace of Base holds a special place in my heart as I listened to them constantly after graduating from college while living in Kansas City. All That She Wants and The Sign never stopped in my apartment. Then, a few years later, their Beautiful Life (and the hot Ulf Gunnar Ekberg) played in every gay bar in Dallas - just as I was stepping out of the closet and dating Chris. So, of course I'm excited Ace of Base is returning this month with a Greatest Hits package and a 2009 remix of Wheel of Fortune. Check out the club mix HERE. It's not really a dance remix, but rather an extension of the original edit. And to read a bit on the band, go to Wiki to learn how a good friend's new buddy imported them to the US. Fascinating! Or, watch the Beautiful Life video below with again, a brain haired Ulf sporting a goatee and black leather pants.

Biergarten Weather in Munich

While many of you are freezing in the US, we're enjoying "Biergarten weather" in Munich.

Thanks Gerda!

Thanks to Gerda's Dive Shop, my Gucci boots now fit perfectly! Xavier and I bought a pair in Paris last January. But, after the fact, I realized the tops were too wide to wear with jeans - even with the boot cut variety. So, the pricey boots ended up making my leg look funny (think Shaggy from Scooby Doo). But luckily I found Gerda. She reshaped the top making them better than before (you can exhale now Xavier). You see, Gerda makes shoes for handicap people in Munich. So, she's quite the shoe guru. Check her out if you need some leather work done on a pair of boots, shoes, etc.

Gerrda's Dive Shop
Schluderstrasse. 22
Munich 80634
Phone: 49 89 16 14 65
Email: info@gerdasdiveshop.de
Web: www.gerdasdiveshop.de/

Bond Does Bourne

Today I saw Quantum of Solace one week before its release stateside. In Europe, the second film in the reboot series starring Daniel Craig is making big bucks. This "Bond does Bourne" movie is high on action - especially one of the first sequences where Bond chases a "mole." But other than that, not only don't we see enough of Bond shirtless, the plot is at times challenging as it's too strongly connected to Casino Royale. This is to be the movie that wraps Bond's evolution. I suppose it did. But as the few last lines were being muttered, I had to stop and think, "Huh?" What?" On a scale of 5 trailers, with five being the best, Quantum of Solace wheels in three. Not bad. But not exceptional.

Side note: Pay close attention to Bond's sunglasses by Tom Ford. They'll be just one of 25 items on the PTT advent calendar.

X Factor Recap

It was Mariah Carey this week on X Factor. In fact, it was too much Mariah. Not only did this over botoxed fembot perform two songs, the contestants muddled their way through Mariah singles. Alexandra Burke is the only one who managed to do something with the material. Check out "I can't move" Mariah below followed by Alexandra Burke.

Big Green Tick

I'm sure you can imagine why Big Green Tick, a new UK product, caught my eye while watching the X Factor Saturday night. I had to do a double take.

1K Trick or Treaters

We found out that over 1,300 kids visited the houses on our block for Halloween. I'll have to start saving for Halloween in January! Because we don't hand out mini candy bars, we go for full size bars and McDonald's Happy Meal toys. Talk about breaking the bank.