Pink Trash Travels


Our New Fave: Robert Buckley

We finally were treated to the premiere of Lipstick Jungle last week. Knowing that the NBC show didn't explode in America, I wasn't sure what to expect. Would it be any good? Luckily, the answer is yes. Because this way, hopefully we'll get to see more of Robert Buckley. He's reason enough to watch. I hear there's much more to look forward to in terms of him being shirtless. Sounds like a winner to me!


Club One Holy Crap! Moment

I received my Promo Only Mainstream Club series this week. And, as usual, I uploaded the tracks to my iShuffle so I could check them out at the gym. Sometimes, I'm unsure of what's playing as the little music player from Apple doesn't have an LCD screen. So, I was "fall-out-of-my-chair" surprised that one of my favorite songs is performed by Jo De La Rosa from that trainwreck of a reality show on Bravo, The Housewives of Orange County.

If you've watched the show, you know that Jo was trying to launch a singing career. The song she recorded on the program was horrible. So again, you can understand my "holy crap!" response to my learning that her single, U Can't Control Me was one of the standouts on this month's release. Of course, I attribute the interest to Jason Nevins who seems to have his hand on everybody's music this month including Chris Brown and Jordin Sparks just to name a few.

Check out Jo's video below which gives you the foundation to the dance remix. Then, go here for the dance version in iTunes format.


The Housing Report

I suppose there's some wishful thinking on our part that, because the US housing market is still crumbling, and that the US economy is on the verge of a breakdown, we'll get more competitive bids from our contractors. I can only assume that fewer people will be moving forward with construction work - and in the winter. So here's to hoping that when our architect sends out the schematics over the next few weeks, we'll get bids back that make us smile vs. cringe.


I'm Just Sayin'

While I was sitting on the train today on my way home from another pathetic workout due to my everlasting cold, I realized two things:

(1) People smell. And for some reason, it seems train people smell worse than others. That, or because at times we're stacked on top of one another, we get a closer whiff. Either way, don't these people know they smell? If I even sense an odd odor on me or any of my clothes, I quickly resolve the problem. Apparently others don't. I think they should.

(2) I can't imagine backpacking through Europe. A group of "kids" boarded with backpacks, tents, stuffed animals and pillows. They could barely squeeze through the door. That experience just sounds horrid. Most likely, they're staying in a hostel. "No way!" I say. If I'm going to backpack through Europe, I'll make sure there's a room at the Four Seasons where I can respectfully plop down my bag and make my way to the spa.


Time 2 Go

Apparently, someone is trying to tell us that it's time to leave our apartment. It's essentially falling apart. Door frames are loose. Plants are dying. And today, the second floor terrace door curtains came crashing down - pulling the screws from the walls. So much for German engineering.


But of Course - Beyonce!

I can't believe it's been almost a year since Chris and I attended the tragedy that was the 2007 MTV European Music Awards. Of course, 2008 looks to be better as Beyonce is scheduled to perform. Though, it wouldn't take much to beat the Munich fiasco. If ANYBODY shows up, it would be an improvement.


Celebrity Solstice: Built in Germany

Next March, a group of us are going on an Atlantis Cruise. We originally had 20+ people participating in the event to celebrate two birthdays. However, as of today, the group has been whittled down to about 8.

The Solstice is new and according to Celebrity, "...offers a refined level of elegance - an unrivaled experience making a distinctive statement of style and design." And funny enough, the boat is made in Germany! And, according to this article, the boat departed Papenburg yesterday, Sunday, September 28th.

For more boat photos, go here.


New & Noteworthy: Girls Aloud The Promise

Girls Aloud are back! The girls of Brit pop return with a stylish, updated 70's inspired number. They truly are the number one girl group in Europe - turning out hit after hit. Check out the video below.


A Perfect Day @ Oktoberfest

Because there's nothing else to do on Sunday, it's no surprise that Oktoberfest was bursting at the seams.

And because it was a bit warm as we swam upstream on this perfect fall day, at times, I smelled hair.

But we wanted to walk around and capture a few sights and sounds of the festival - including this drunk couple who exemplify what the "Oktobermess" is all about.

Apparently, they didn't eat a pretzel.

Maybe the drunk couple should have snarfed down a cookie or two. Though, I told Chris I never see anybody actually eating them - only wearing them. They probably taste like cardboard.

Finally, when this drunk couple stumbles their way back to the car (sad but true), they won't find it there as the police are constantly towing vehicles around the fairgrounds. "Dude, where's my car?" they'll say. Good thing it's gone. Friends don't let friends drive drunk.


Palin Returns to SNL with Katie Couric

Sarah Palin, Tina Fey and Amy Poehler have given the TV community a reason to watch SNL again. Though not as memorable as her first appearance (as the Palin/Clinton duo is hard to beat), Tina's take on Palin once again rubs the funny bone - especially her use of, "I'd like to use a lifeline." And though Amy provides the comedic balance, her blank stares summarize it all. Check out the video below.


Venturing Out 2 Oktoberfest

Tonight while walking Maddie, I decided to venture over to Oktoberfest for some drunk fun spotting. It's better than watching TV. You can't imagine what you'll find stumbling around the outer ring of the Wies'n. Young. Old. Men. Women. All drunk. Some are slumped over chairs. Others are arguing with their date without a shirt. A few are peeing in the street. Maybe if I'm feeling better I'll stroll the grounds a bit tomorrow night with my old camera that's now "new" again.


My Two Cents

Here's my thought in reaction to the presidential debate last night, "I'm irritated that we have to pay for everyone's stupidity including:

(1) Those fact CEOs on Wall Street who pull corporate dollars away from the everyday worker.
(2) Idiotic men and women who continue to have babies even though they can't afford to raise the ones they have.
(3) Stupid individuals who knew they couldn't afford to buy a house but went beyond their means to secure a loan.


Just Because It Deserves a Second Look, and Third, and Fourth


Burning a Cold

Because Chris told me that taking a hot bath would make me feel better, I decided to soak in the tub this evening. Now that I'm done, I can honestly say that was one of the worst experiences EVER. Chris said the water had to be hot. I think it was too hot as my limbs went numb, my head started to pop and I could barely see straight. So instead of laying under the scalding hot water for 20 minutes like he requested, I barely lasted 10 minutes. One hour later, I'm still sweating - which is a good thing. But those 10 minutes in the tub...a nightmare.


How Lucky Am I?

Not only is Chris going to make meatloaf, mashed potatoes and corn tonight for dinner, he's also planning on making a coconut cake (Ina's recipe), and bierock's this weekend! And since I'm now behind my weight gain schedule (I've lost 2 pounds this week as a result of the flu), I don't mind spending the weekend stuffing my face. Let's call it a Fat Sally Weekend!


Hot Find! Britney's Womanizer

If you're wanting to hear Britney's new single, not yet released to radio, take a listen below! Here's to hoping she pulls together a hot video to accompany the Outsyder's produced track that's quite catchy with it's fast paced vocals and snappy beat.



And in other news, for all of you Britney fans, she's expected to appear on American Idol this season. Goes to show how much power Simon Cowell carries along with 34 million consumers who watch the show!



As I promised on Monday, here's Anastacia's latest, I Can Feel You remixed by Max Sanna and Steve Pitron. It's a cross between house and electro - falling somewhere gloriously in the middle.


Paying the Piper

After almost two weeks of the "sicky" bug, one that began as a mild irritation, then morphed into the flu, then ended as a cold, I feel as though today I'm starting to the see the light at the end of the tunnel. I'm still congested, but my cough has subsided a bit and the body aches have gone away. Hopefully, by Monday, I'll be back to normal. All this because we went to Mykonos? I guess you pay the piper.


What I Find Funny

Most posts to PTT have something to do with our lives in Europe - in one roundabout way or another (yes, even the man eye candy). But there are a few, like the email below, that I just find funny. Apparently, a Dreamworks floater (roaming assistant) sent this note around the office. I don't expect he/she to get to far in Hollywood.


So True

“I was in Mykonos, and everyone had a scarf on, even though it was 85 degrees,” said the men’s wear designer John Bartlett, his puzzlement still fresh a month later. “They were wearing them with T-shirts, tank tops, anything. I guess for whatever reason, scarves are the next accessory of expression.” (as noted in David Colman's The Scarf Unwinds and Relaxes for the NY Times).


Brangelina Moving 2 Germany

Unfortunately, Brangelina is moving just outside of Berlin, not Munich. But it's possible the star couple and kids will find their way to the Bavarian capital during their 90 day relocation. They might want a quiet retreat from their quiet lakeside mansion.


New & Noteworthy: Will Young Changes

He won the UK's Pop Idol (the precursor to American Idol) back in 2002. Since then, he's had a very successful run of hits in Europe (of course, not in America). His latest, Changes, crashes into the UK top 10 on digital sales alone. Look for a top 5 finish next week with a physical release. Check out the slow, yet melodic, track below.


I Love Being Gaunt

No, not really. Especially when I'm trying to beef up a bit. But that's what I was told today by our friend Tilo. I'm sure being sick doesn't help. Either way, it's not something you want to hear.


Voting No For Prop. 8

In California, a coalition of religious leaders called California Faith for Equality has been working to persuade people of faith to oppose Prop. 8 on spiritual and social justice grounds. California's Episcopal bishops also have come out against the measure, which a Field Poll reported last week was opposed by 55 percent of likely voters.

"Everybody understands that Jesus, in his own culture, was notorious and persecuted for consorting with outcasts," said the Rev. Peter Laarman, a United Church of Christ minister who opposes the gay marriage ban. "When Jesus said all are welcome at the table, I think he really meant all."

For more information on voting NO to Proposition 8, go here or visit the HRC website.


Oktoberfest = Big Bucks

While we were sitting at Oktoberfest on Sunday, we were trying to figure out how much money Oktoberfest brings to Munich. According to this article, it's a TON!


Looking Back: Oktoberfest Weekend


Though Greg was trying to impersonate me, I find this pic of him quite adorable. He looks like he's 5 years old! A-D-O-R-A-B-L-E!


Big Gay DUHs!


1. The fact that it's just now coming "out" that Clay Aiken is gay. DUH!
2. That Lance Bass would be a stand"out" on Dancing with the Stars. DUH!


DP Contributes Another One

DP, the Swiss correspondent swears he doesn't sit at work and look for this stuff online. And now that he forwarded to me this morning an email from 10percent.com, either he's trying to throw me off his trail or he's already signed up for all these newsletters so no more online cruising is required. Either way, if you're looking for some "gayer than gay" books, clothing, accessories, erotic movies, fitness equipment, or the Gods of Sport photobook, you're in luck!


The Housing Report

Now that we've approved Final Schematics, we're waiting for the firm to pull together one more set of drawings - ones they'll forward out to contractors for bids. While they complete these bid drawings, Chris and I are to go through the house and identify particulars so they can include details such as heated floors, granite countertops, glass tile walls, etc. This way, the contractors can include these additions in their estimates - thus reducing time. And right now, we're trying to save as much time as possible! Check out the Final Schematics below (for a larger view, simply click on the image).





Oktoberfest 2008 - Pt. Two (The Video)



Thanks 2 the talents of Armin once again!


Oktoberfest 2008 - Pt. One

Because our camera broke on Friday, PTT is having to rely on the photography talents of its many friends including Brad, Armin, Dave, Mark, and Jeff (just to name a few). Thanks for sharing your photos from Oktoberfest 2008! (to view the larger image, simply click on the collage).


PTT Find: Toasta Bags

See what happens when you spend your sick day watching TV? You spot new inventions you don't really need but want because you think they're fun. That's Toasta Bags. These little bags turn your toaster into a quick, easy and mess-free sandwich maker (like for grilled cheese!).


New & Noteworthy: Anastacia's I Can Feel You

While recovering on the couch from my fight with the flu bug, I found Anastacia's new video for her latest song, I Can Feel You. Check it out below. And be sure to come back to PTT later this week for the dance remix!


Broken Camera

Now that it's Monday, and I've basically been sleeping since yesterday at 2 p.m., I can make note that Oktoberfest pics won't be posted until others send me their snapshots. Our camera broke (wah wah). So, hopefully DP, Mark, Greg, Dave or Jeff will forward to me something to post from their crazy day that lasted from 8 a.m. to about 10 p.m.


Blogging Live: Mr. Sickey

It's 2:51 and I just woke-up from an almost four hour nap after returning from Oktoberfest this morning with an upset stomach, aching muscles and a whooping cough. A cold, or flu bug, that I thought I had kicked apparently decided to rear it's ugly head again this morning. So, after 1/2 liter of beer, a bit of a pretzel, and too much smoke, I opted to leave the party. Not before trying to recover, however.

Once I said goodbye to everyone, I stood over by the exit hoping maybe it was all in my head. After all, everyone knows I don't like beer and smoke. But I soon realized it wasn't make believe when I almost hurled on a bear coming downstairs from "Bearland." So away I went, through the cold air, back home to rest.

Of course, I'm wondering how much fun everyone is having - but I'm not alone at home. Chris just returned as well. He's not sick, just tired of the smoke and beer as well. Ain't that sweet. Now only if he could find me some chicken noodle soup.

P.S. - Once I recover, I soon post how, once again, there's no rhyme or reason to the gay beer tent as of Chris' return, the doors were still open (after security let the stampede this morning on the side vs. the main entrance - causing us to barely secure two tables). That, and how I got into a shoving match with an oder gentleman who decided to plop his butt down at the end of our table, along with his friend, because there were two "open" spots.


Another "What the F**k?"

A few weeks ago, it was our awaking at 3 a.m. to get on a bus at 4 a.m. to go to a dance party in the hills of Mykonos that made me say, "What the f**k?" Today, it's our getting up at 6:30 a.m., to be out the door by 7:40 a.m., to arrive to the beer tents by 8 a.m. that's making me state the obvious question. But if we don't, there won't be any getting in to the gay tent at Oktoberfest. So, here we are. Beginning our day before the sun makes it appearance just to experience once again the gay drunkness that is Oktobermess.


Let the Drinking Begin!

Canons, along with church bells across the city, just signaled the start of Oktoberfest. I was going to run down the stairs to grab my camera and take video, but by the time I would have returned upstairs (and most likely after falling and breaking a bone or two), the salute would have been over. Let the drinking begin (not for Chris and I, of course, until tomorrow).


Mediocre vs. Quality

As I drank a free cappuccino today at the bank (while waiting for our friends Jeff and Dave from Milwaukee to exchange their dollars into euros), I wondered, "Is having a mediocre cappuccino for free better than paying $4 for a good one at Starbucks?" Which would you chose?


PTT Find: Gloss Magazine

At first glance, I thought it was an Australian magazine (due to the Gods of Football reference). But after further investigation, I discovered the publication is US based.

According to their website, Gloss magazine "...is the premiere lifestyle resource for the gay community. We offer the widest range of articles, interviews, columns, nightlife listings, reviews and offerings of any publication in the San Francisco Bay Area." Even more, the publication states, "Printed on heat-set glossy paper, we give our clients the most value for their advertising needs." Yes, that's what readers want - high gloss paper.


Thanks Mother Nature!

Today couldn't be nicer in Munich. The weather is cooperating for the "day before Oktoberfest." Here's to hoping Mother Nature once again sends some sun with a little chill our way on Saturday.


Brad Gives 2 the Gay Cause

It makes sense that Brad Pitt donated $100K to support gay marriage in California. After all, he knows homos have propped him up for years. He's quoted as saying, "Because no one has the right to deny another their life, even though they disagree with it, because everyone has the right to live the life they so desire if it doesn't harm another and because discrimination has no place in America, my vote will be for equality and against Proposition 8," Pitt said Wednesday. Well put Mr. Pitt.


Poor Hilary. She went from Disney superstar to B-list pop star. Radio barely makes notice of her anymore. However, what does she expect when she releases europop influenced tracks? If anything, at least the gays will follow. Check out her latest Reach Out (Bermudez and Chico Radio Mix). Again, you won't hear the mid-tempo song on any radio station except for BPM or UPop, but that's okay. You've got PTT to keep you happy.


Balancing the Boobies

Because of the boobies, I feel as though I should add some man eye candy to balance the blog today. So, why not feature the "America's Heroes" calendar? Sure, it's from 2007, but you can still appreciate the images!


"Wiesn Playmate"


19 year old Alena Gerber from Munich is this year's Playboy "Wiesn Playmate" I know what you're thinking. Where's "Mr. Wiesn?"

What She Likes: smiling faces, the sun on her hair, fast cars and sushi.
What She Doesn't Like: cigarettes, self-pity and arrogance.
Her Favorite Pastimes: Fitness, ballet and motorcycling.
Her Dreams: To get to a point where she can say that she has achieved everything.
Her Plans 4 the Future: To work hard to make her dreams come true.


More From Down Under

DP, the Swiss Correspondent, must spend a lot of time surfing the net down under as not only did he refer me to Gods of Football, but he sent me a link today to Priscilla Queen of the Desert The Musical. I'd go see it. Just like I want to see Xanadu on Broadway. Campy and fun.


Have Another Dumbass

Gunther Beckstein, the conservative governor of Bavaria, stated this week that "...people who drink two liters of beer over a period of hours are fit to drive." I think he had one too many before he made the statement.


Have U Seen This?

He Pingping of Mongolia, the world's smallest man (74.61 centimeters, or 2 feet, 5.4 inches), stands between the legs of Russia's Svetlana Pankratova. Looks like something out of Austin Powers to me.


All Roads Lead 2 Hofbrau