Just when we think the economy has hit rock bottom, it seems to get worse. More companies are issuing pink slips everyday. With that being noted, how in the world do I expect to find a job? It's out of my hands apparently. Which makes me begin to wonder how I can take control of my own situation. Because if I sit and wait for an offer to come my way, I could be entering retirement before I'm permanently employed again.
Let me start by saying this: track number two featured on PTT's Club One Secret Affair is H-O-T! Seriously, I just returned from the gym where this dance tune by a former disco diva, and remixed by my favorite Chicago DJ (who I hope to have spin at my 40th down the road), gave me tingles over and over and over and over and over again. It's that good. I'm sure other club goers were like, "What's he on?" Check it out HERE.
It's hard to imagine that the sitcom Laverne & Shirley debuted 30 years ago this week. And, it finished as the top-rated show in prime time (ahead of it's parent series Happy Days). Though I was only 8, I remember it well.
Once again, you're getting a Club One Secret Affair in real time - as I'm listening to the fourth release by this kitty group remixed by Dave Aude. This one definitely has a bite. Check out their "Soda Can" single with an incredible dancefloor build HERE!. I'm sure the boys will hear this one in Miami on Sunday night along with I Hate This Part at the Beach Party. Too bad I won't be there to point it out (as I always do).
Jesse Pavelka can't be super all of the time. Just like Superman, he needs an alter ego. Besides, he's just too darn adorable in this picture. So today, no cape, no mask, just Jesse.
I've been a big fan of the Saturdays for more than six months now. The UK girls group, and their producers including the masterminds behind Rihanna's latest, have crafted a poptastic compilation of uptempo tunes. And now, according to initial reports, the girls are rumored to be planning an American invasion. I say with the success of Lady Gaga, radio may just give them a chance. Go HERE to listen and watch why I say the Saturdays deserve the attention.
I made fun of the Snuggie a few months back. Well, the "robe you wear backwards" has sold 4MM units. Apparently, the goofy advertising worked! Now I'm thinking it was intentional as we all thought it was funny and shared it with our friends and family. But what I find interesting is that, even though we laughed, the company sold 4MM Snuggies!
I enjoy Kelly Clarkson's new song, My Life Would Suck Without You (as does the rest of America as it makes the biggest jump to #1 leaping from 97 to the top spot this week). Sure, it's not a giant step forward in terms of creative development. But the song returns the former winner of American Idol back to her pop roots after experimenting with a new sound on her last release, My December.
Heck, do I feel like posting? Not really as I just returned from a three hour meeting downtown for our permit. Fortunately, I bumped into my friend Tom who gave me a ride. Otherwise, I would have had to take public transportation downtown in addition to my return.
We've ditched the idea of having stained concrete floors with heat in our basement (originally conceived as a way to make cleaning up pet mishaps easy and quick). We couldn't justify the $30K price tag. Now we're back to carpet. But because we have one dog and one cat, we're exploring the installation of tiles instead of traditional carpet. They can look just as nice but can be replaced if cat vomit, like the picture below, ends up soaking in a bit.
Today's Club One Secret Affair is hot off the press as I'm currently listening to the mix. From the first few beats I knew I'd be a fan. Besides that, Digital Dog lately seems to impress everytime. Check out their latest mix for a teenage country crooner with pop sensibilities HERE.
I just noted the blog's header. I'm thinking now that we're back, I need to incorporate a shot of Chicago - that or of a trip we don't have planned down the road.
I'm not sure how I'm going to find a job if this continues to happen. Marketing is always one of the first functions to go. Maybe I should set up a lemonade stand on the street corner. Though, in this climate, it would be more like a lemonade popsicle stand. That, and my nose would fall off due to frost bite.
In between writing about McDonald's Food, I'm sitting here contemplating dumping my current gym, Lakeview Athletic Club, for another fitness center. I have a few options including jumping over to Lakeview's sister club Lincoln Park Athletic Club or returning to Fitness Formula Club. Unfortunately, none of them are perfect. But I'm not sure if my current pumping situation is ideal for motivating me to perform at my best.
What's up with the name Alyssa? We just finished watching an "Alyssa" win the US Figure Skating Championship. I thought she looked like Alyssa Milano. And now that we're watching Family Guy, Brian just walked up to a girl in high school and called her Alyssa. So, I ask again, "What's the significance with the name Alyssa?"
My quest to cast Jesse Pavelka as the new gay superhero by Stan Lee basically became meaningless last week when I realized the new super dude is in high school. But that won't stop me from playing around with the hot host from Lifetime's soon-to-be-concluded DietTribe.
If your music career is in the dumps, partner with an R & B/Hip Hop star to ignite interest in your work. That must be the mentality of the latest artist to be featured on PTT. Not that I mind. I actually like the ORIGINAL mix. But, I like the dance remixes even better - and there are two. The FIRST is of the house flavored variety by a remix team who's been busy pumping out jams for almost every artist this year. I'm not sure of the SECOND'S credentials, but their style is a bit more electro with an edge. For the gym, I prefer the latter. But for house parties, go for the first!
Today we went hunting for appliances. Let me say this. When shopping for higher end stuff, such as Viking, it becomes more like buying a car. Not only because it costs as much, but because the salespeople can be just as shady.
Because I don't have a car, and don't plan to buy one until I get a job, I'm thinking about joining ZipCar in Chicago. Essentially, it's a pay-as-you-use type of program. And since I'll need a car to run errands for the house, it's much cheaper than taking taxis (as I'll have multiple stops). Besides, this way I'll get to have some afternoon delight in a Mini-Cooper.
I was in and out of the Chicago Zoning office today in one hour and 50 minutes. Waiting until later in the day was well worth it.
Our design firm instructed us that we needed to legally advise our neighbors of the work to be completed on our house. So, last month I forwarded emails, followed by hard copies, that let them know how the house will be changing. Our neighbors to the south signed and returned the documents without questions. Our neighbors to the north, however, still have the letters in hand after asking for further details. And now today, they're talking to our architect. Apparently, they think they have the right to further explore their involvement in our plans. Wrong. We are required by the city to advise them of construction, not to source any type of approval. But of course, they have to be difficult. What the hell?
I think every city government has issues. Tomorrow, I have to go down to city hall to get approval on our zoning plans for the house. I'm advised to arrive at 6 a.m., two hours before they open, so 30 or so people aren't before me. Then again, I'm also told it may not be as busy as nobody is applying for permit. However, I digress. What's so "back-ass-backwards" is that our architect already sat down with the City of Chicago on December 4th to review the plans. Unfortunately, the outcome was never entered into the system. So, we have to start from scratch. This is even after we've made note of a signed document in our possession that reflects the original meeting, the reviewers notes, etc. Talk about a waste of time.
Today, in this heatwave of weather we call 36 degrees, I try to meet the gas company at our home. One more time, I'll hope that they call before the arrive - giving me ample time to drive a few blocks to let them in. But, there's no guarantee. Apparently, the gas company doesn't care if you sit, wait and freeze.
I was hoping President Obama yesterday would make note of his support of the LGBT community. He didn't. But, according to the new White House website, President Obama vows he'll fight for the following:
I was going to watch American Idol tonight and blog. But quite honestly, I don't care about the show during the audition phase. And, according to overnight ratings, I'm not the only one. Last night's broadcast was down 25% against 2008. So, either the producer's learn we care more about Hollywood and the Top 12, or more people will stop watching - never to return.
As I'm sitting here looking out across the alleyway at my gym, I'm thinking about defecting back to the club we visited upon our arrival to Chicago. Sure, Lakeview is cleaner. But, there's no vibe in the club. There's no motivation. Besides that, I have yet to see more than one attractive man who gives me the motivation to keep pumping iron.
With only a few episodes of DietTribe remaining to air on Lifetime, I'm still trying to hunt down ratings numbers for the show that can only be described as "lame." In the meantime, however, I'll continue to push for Jesse Pavelka to star in the new gay superhero drama being created by Stan Lee set to appear on Showtime. Though, now that I'm learning more about the program, Jesse is too old to play a high school student. That won't stop be from posting hot pics of Jesse in a mask however.
PTT's lowdown on the eight featured contestants from this week's American Idol:
Tonight, I'm trying for the first time Green Giant's Valley Fresh Steamers Cheesy Broccoli & Rice (unfortunately, no picture was available so the broccoli and cheese variety will have to do). Since I hate to cook, popping this bag gilled with long grain rice, broccoli and a low fat cheese sauce makes dinner easy. Combine this side dish choice with Shake N' Bake chicken strips, and I have a healthy meal in under 5 minutes prep time.
After spending the past few days scoping out contractors work, including today's visits to three homes, Chris and I finally selected a contractor for our property. In the end, we chose the contractor our architect and design firm recommended. Sure, he was more expensive (not by much however). But knowing the relationship he has with our firm, and the somewhat guaranteed time and money savings this collaboration should net, combined with his craftmanship I saw today, I think we'll be happier when the project is completed. Next up? The shelling out of dough. That's the "not-so-fun" part.
I'm headed to the gym, though, I feel as though I should stay home and watch the inauguration. Then again, right now, it's a bunch of useless banter with Al Roker. I'm hoping to have my leg workout complete by 10:30 so I can jump on the treadmill to watch Obama officially be sworn in as the 44th President. I'd go to the gym later, but I have three homes to review this afternoon so we can finally make a decision on a contractor and get the ball rolling.
I heard a remix to this week's Club One selection on Saturday night at Mini-Bar in Chicago. When I did, I thought, "Huh?" Because it sounded pretty good. And, from what I knew, there wasn't any notifications of official remixes. Well, turns out today a few have leaked - all from one mega DJ who was big in the 90s. His time has come and gone, but apparently Britney's team thought he was good enough for her "three ring" affair. Check out the best of the three HERE. Oh heck, check out the other two and make a decision for yourself. TWO. THREE.
Chris headed back to Munich on Saturday. Today, he watched as mover's packed our Munich flat. I can't help but to feel sad as I literally see "one door close."
I'm not sure what crack People's Gas in Chicago is smoking, but to expect someone to sit in a sub zero house for four hours, waiting for the technician, is crazy. Today, I was to meet People's Gas anytime between 11 and 3:30. I simply asked for a phone call prior - which they did. But, it was at the time they were at our front door. Which, you can only imagine, didn't give me enough time to show up. So, they left. After I complained, the customer service representative stated it was simply a courtesy and not something the company is required to do. I'm sure you can only imagine what wanted to roll off my tongue.
Last night was the first night I officially went out in Chicago since moving back four weeks ago. And what I saw surprised me. As we entered Mini-Bar, not only were there girl go-go dancers gyrating alongside the wall, the crowd was very mixed - straight and gay.
Good 2 know I'm not the only one who thinks Mall Cop looks funny. Sure, it could swing either way (being really funny or horribly wrong), but it "peaked" my interest. And, it seems as though America agrees as opened strong Friday with $9.7M with an expected weekend to be over $30M. I'm sure Mall Cop 2 is already in the works.
It's Friday! To celebrate, take a listen to the latest from a former Disney teen queen. I featured her a few weeks back. But with her latest release being remixed by Digital Dog, a production team who's working their magic on some of my latest faves by the likes of the Saturdays (for example), I thought a one-two punch wasn't such a bad idea. Check it out HERE.
Time for another push for Jesse Pavelka as the new gay superhero being developed by Stan Lee.
NBC hasn't officially cancelled Lipstick Jungle. I repeat, NBC hasn't officially cancelled Lipstick Jungle. Looks as though Robert Buckley won't have to jump to more shirtless scenes on Lifetime just yet.
I received a call tonight from the third contractor. He's promised to get us numbers by Saturday. So, we'll see then if the other two tried to take advantage of us, or if all three are in line. According to the third, everyone is very hungry. That's what we thought. But what hunger equates to dollars is the unknown for now. All I know is we're watching the budget very closely - especially now that we're back in America and no longer on expat conveniences.
Chicago has had mild winters since we moved to Europe three years ago. When we arrived in Paris in 2005, it was one of the hottest on record. Munich had one of the coldest summers when we landed in 2007. It only makes sense then that Chicago is the coldest it has been in a decade and it has had the most consecutive days of snow since records began in 1884. I can only imagine what's next. A blistering summer perhaps?
This Ross the Intern Golden Globes bit, from The Tonight Show, has to be one of his funniest to date. His comebacks are genius. And unlike Ryan Seacrest, Angelina at least gives Ross a second glance.
I don't like to fly. Now, because of today's plane crash, I'm forced to think about one additional catastrophe scenario when flying: an in air collision with a flock of seagulls. Ugh.
It's being reported that US Airways flight 1549 has crashed into the Hudson river due to a double bird strike. Passengers were sent fleeing for safety into the icy waters. Fortunately, there were no casualties as many had listened to the attendants instructions in case of an emergency.
If you're like me, you want to listen to the radio so you keep connected with what's new in music. Because even though it seems radio plays the same song over and over again, it's ingrained into my mind that Radio is where you should turn for the latest and greatest tracks. And because I don't have a car, and our "rented" tuner doesn't get good reception at home, I'm not able to listen throughout the day.
When we met our friends out for Sunday brunch last weekend, I was explaining to one of them the protein shakes I create every morning. And considering I just wrote him a note this morning about what's inside the mix, I thought I'd share with everyone else in case you're looking for a before and after workout shake that's loaded with sustaining carbs, quality protein, antioxidants and muscle building supplements. Now of course, if you're trying to lose weight, you'd want to adjust the carb/calorie intake. But considering I'm trying to build gradually, I need the additional ingredients. Enjoy!
In Chicago, we refer to house with two apartments, or condos. as a two flat. It never occurred to me that it's similar to Europe where one refers to their space as a flat, not an apartment or condo.
The Sun is reporting that comic book icon Stan Lee is developing a gay superhero to premiere on US television. Accompanying the article is someone's interpretation of what the superhero may look like. Um, no. Instead, I'd say cast Jesse Pavelka considering DietTribe is a mess of a show.
If you haven't heard Kelly Clarkson's new single, My Life Would Suck Without You, check it out below. Sure, it's better than her last effort. But for someone who was trying to move her career and sound forward, she returns to the formula that is Dr. Luke and Max Martin. Not that it's a bad thing. It's guarantees her radio play and a hit. But you'd think My Life was the twin sister of Since U Been Gone. It's missing a bridge, and I hear where it could have been inserted, but who am I to question the master work of the geniuses behind some of the biggest pop hits of the last 10 years?
I'm sitting here watching it snow and I'm thinking, "Will it never end?" Usually, we have a winter escape trip on the books - giving us something to look forward to. This year? Nothing. So, I have a feeling the sunless calendar spells impending doom. Doom I say. Doom.
Talk about a day. It all started with a planned call with Europe for a project we hope to start this week. From there, I used Facebook to find a new contractor who we're meeting tonight. I also secured an interview for tomorrow as well as our closing documents for our house refinance. Throw in a few hours at the gym and I can honestly say I've had a very productive day.
I didn't think I'd do it. But I did. I gave ABC's True Beauty another shot last night. And sure enough, it was like watching a train wreck. But that doesn't stop me from appreciating Joel Rush, one of the contestants. Check out some of his modeling shots courtesy of Hudson Wright and OhLaLa. And if you want even more, go HERE.
I didn't think not having a car in Chicago would be problematic. After all, the Windy City has an amazing public transportation system. But now that we're here, and it's 5 degrees outside, the last thing I want to do is walk six blocks to the train. And since I'm not a fan of bus hopping to find my way around town, I have a feeling it could become a very long winter. I'm already feeling somewhat like a chicken stuffed in a coop.
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