I had a great day yesterday hanging out with my sister Wifey as we celebrated her birthday. The one dark cloud was I got a stupid speeding ticket on the way over to her house! I was so pissed off! Let me say that I absolutely respect the laws of traffic and in no way support reckless driving. But this ticket was stupid! It was on a particular stretch of road that is wide open with no traffic lights, it’s not a residential area and the speed limit is ridiculously low in order in trap people. And I should know because I have gotten 4 speeding tickets on the same street!
Ok, so now I am sure you think the adjective “stupid” should be shifted from the ticket to me. In my defense it’s 4 tickets over a 6 year period over a 5 mile stretch of the road. And just to be clear, I drive a 1996 Nissan Sentra which has four cylinders and shakes when I try to accelerate too quickly. So I am not ripping thru traffic in a BMW 325i. And here’s the thing that sent me over the edge yesterday – I was driving in a pack of cars and the cop singled me out! The car in front of me actually slammed on his brakes and started to pull over and the cop waved him on and waved me over. I was floored! Is my little gray Nissan the Golden Ticket in Cobb County? Am I the running joke at precincts and do officers get a bonus when they give me yet another moving violation?! I tried to plead my case and asked about the car in front of me, the car beside me and the car behind me – not that I want any of you to suffer - but I could not understand how I ended up there alone. This baby faced officer could not have been more than 25 years old and clearly was not happy to be stuck on the side of the road arguing with disgruntled speed demons like me. He answered all of my questions with a dry, canned response in order to shut me up as quickly as possible and get back to the business of collecting money for the state. I gave up the fight in the interest of time and the desire to get to lunch with my sister.
I drove away disheartened. How did I get in this horrible cycle with my local law enforcement and how can I get out of it - without changing the way I drive of course! ;) I don’t know many police officers personally but sure I watch a lot of them on TV. Some of my favorite shows are about cops – guys, I am a FAN! In an effort rebuild my karmic balance with the fine officers who protect and serve I offer this tribute to some of my favorite shows about cops. Instead of cursing you in private I will celebrate your television personas. It’s the best I can do.
Here are links to five classic cop show openings. See if you can guess the show by my description before you click the link to watch!
With uniforms so tight in the crotch it’s a wonder they could even get on their motorcycles, but they got the job done in the California sun: #1
During it’s hey day this show got a lot of praise for it’s realistic portrayal of women as police officers with out all of the sexist clichés. After watching this opening again it seems so dated and corny, but I still loved it: #2
This show was such a monster hit back in the 80’s it changed the look, the sound and the style of TV - but today these officers would be arrested by the Fashion Police: #3
I loved this show about New York’s finest and New York’s bravest. It had a small following and didn’t last long but it had some great story arcs and one of the best shoot out scenes ever: #4
What more can I say about this show?! It’s been on the air for 19 years and it is the quintessential cop drama. You’d know this theme song anywhere: #5
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Monday, April 27, 2009
Celebrating My Sister
My thoughts this morning are all about my sister who is celebrating her birthday tomorrow. Sometimes she’s known as Wifey, sometimes she’s known as a brilliant writer and publicist, sometimes she’s known as Miles & Milan’s mommy – I know her as my rock, my best friend and my sister. It’s a great reason to talk about her but I could write this post any day of the year. I am so lucky to have the sister/best friend combo which I truly treasure now, but as a child I didn’t understand the power of sisterhood.
We are only 15 months a part so we really grew up together. This had some advantages; we moved around a lot as kids and when we started a new school or had to make new friends in the neighborhood we had someone to lean on. But most of the time we fought like cats and dogs. Not cute little puppies and fluffy kittens – like scrappy alley cats and mean old junk yard dogs. There were a few cease fires, but this went on through high school and into the middle of college. Then something changed and one day and I saw her as more than just my little sister and my rival – I saw the amazing person she had become. She was cool, she was smart, she was funny, and she was not my enemy. I had a thunderbolt moment when I realized that I would be lucky to have this girl as my friend. And from there we’ve never looked back. We began to strengthen one of the most important relationships of my life. She’s my little sister but I actually find myself in awe of her, a lot. She has a passion for life and is always moving herself forward. She acknowledges her fears but does not let them paralyze her. She is an infectiously happy person and brings out the best the people around her. You could almost resent her if she wasn't so damn humble and loveable! ;)
As women, we need that critical female friendship in our lives. We need that ear to listen as we talk, and we need someone to tell us the things we don’t always want to hear. We need someone to know how we feel before we even say a word, and we need someone to have the patience as we struggle to find our words. We need someone to laugh with and help us laugh at ourselves so it all doesn’t become too heavy. And we need someone to help us smile through our tears when we are broken. Some women have this intense kind of relationship and they aren’t related; they’ve chosen to be best friends and end up as sisters in nature. I am so lucky that I didn’t have to search and I didn’t have to choose. She was right there by my side. I couldn’t imagine a better sister and I can not bear to think about what my life would be like without her. I hope I tell her enough, and I hope I give her what she gives me. So it’s my joy to celebrate her on her birthday and everyday of the year. Thank you my sister! Love ya, mean it!!!
We are only 15 months a part so we really grew up together. This had some advantages; we moved around a lot as kids and when we started a new school or had to make new friends in the neighborhood we had someone to lean on. But most of the time we fought like cats and dogs. Not cute little puppies and fluffy kittens – like scrappy alley cats and mean old junk yard dogs. There were a few cease fires, but this went on through high school and into the middle of college. Then something changed and one day and I saw her as more than just my little sister and my rival – I saw the amazing person she had become. She was cool, she was smart, she was funny, and she was not my enemy. I had a thunderbolt moment when I realized that I would be lucky to have this girl as my friend. And from there we’ve never looked back. We began to strengthen one of the most important relationships of my life. She’s my little sister but I actually find myself in awe of her, a lot. She has a passion for life and is always moving herself forward. She acknowledges her fears but does not let them paralyze her. She is an infectiously happy person and brings out the best the people around her. You could almost resent her if she wasn't so damn humble and loveable! ;)
As women, we need that critical female friendship in our lives. We need that ear to listen as we talk, and we need someone to tell us the things we don’t always want to hear. We need someone to know how we feel before we even say a word, and we need someone to have the patience as we struggle to find our words. We need someone to laugh with and help us laugh at ourselves so it all doesn’t become too heavy. And we need someone to help us smile through our tears when we are broken. Some women have this intense kind of relationship and they aren’t related; they’ve chosen to be best friends and end up as sisters in nature. I am so lucky that I didn’t have to search and I didn’t have to choose. She was right there by my side. I couldn’t imagine a better sister and I can not bear to think about what my life would be like without her. I hope I tell her enough, and I hope I give her what she gives me. So it’s my joy to celebrate her on her birthday and everyday of the year. Thank you my sister! Love ya, mean it!!!
My sister & me then and now....
Friday, April 24, 2009
On the fence about the pole....
I have a pretty interesting Friday evening lined up…..tonight I am putting on my heels and getting on the pole. Yes, I mean THAT pole! No, I am not changing professions; I am just going to take a pole dancing class at Pole LaTeaz. My sister, the fabulous Wifey is hosting a little soiree to celebrate her upcoming birthday and kick off the launch of The Blog Rollers. She thought it would be a fun way to step outside the box and “bring a little sexy back” to Ladies Night Out. I was excited as soon as she mentioned the idea and thought it would be a blast! I saw it as a chance to step into someone else’s high heeled shoes for 90 minutes and get my strut on. There is something powerful about the confidence a woman exudes when she is working that pole and working the room with all eyes on her. I’m a newlywed so the sparks are still flying, rapidly. But I am no fool, why not to pick up a few tricks for my arsenal and save them for later use?! So that was my first reaction – fun night out and a little sexual empowerment, too.
I was talking to a friend and casually mentioned the pole dancing class and sensed a reaction. It was just a quick pause, enough to tell she had an opinion about it, but the conversation moved on quickly so I didn’t get a chance to find out what she thought. But it didn’t matter because my mind had already started racing, my inner Gloria Steinem came out and I started looking at the class in a different way. Was I participating in something that desensitized the degradation of women in society?
Regarding issues like strip clubs, porn, and adult entertainment I am fairly open minded and think people should make choices that feel right and excite as long as no one is being victimized and hurt in the process. I’ve been to a strip club and the sexual charge in the air is very enticing. Like porn, stripping is one of the few professions where women make significantly more money than men. It’s all based off stroking the male ego and playing to their fantasies while emptying their pockets. Even Betty Freidan has got to see the cosmic joke in that. But along with the financial reward comes potential drug abuse, sexual harassment and a dangerous lifestyle that can lead down a very dark, destructive path.
So I found myself looking at the situation from two different perspectives and trying to figure out my feelings. I went with my first reaction, because I trust my gut. I see the class as a great opportunity to have fun and express my sexuality. I still have concerns about the safety and well being of women in certain environments – but it’s not exclusive to the world of adult entertainment. Women face sexual discrimination everyday in every industry. We are continuously objectified in film and television but I’m not throwing out my TV or vowing to never go to the movies again. I am careful about what I watch, what I buy and what I support and that’s how I make an impact. I think I can get something positive out of this class without a negative cost to women. So, now all I have to worry about is making a complete fool of myself in high heels and the bruises that are bound to come when I bust my ass! ;)
I was talking to a friend and casually mentioned the pole dancing class and sensed a reaction. It was just a quick pause, enough to tell she had an opinion about it, but the conversation moved on quickly so I didn’t get a chance to find out what she thought. But it didn’t matter because my mind had already started racing, my inner Gloria Steinem came out and I started looking at the class in a different way. Was I participating in something that desensitized the degradation of women in society?
Regarding issues like strip clubs, porn, and adult entertainment I am fairly open minded and think people should make choices that feel right and excite as long as no one is being victimized and hurt in the process. I’ve been to a strip club and the sexual charge in the air is very enticing. Like porn, stripping is one of the few professions where women make significantly more money than men. It’s all based off stroking the male ego and playing to their fantasies while emptying their pockets. Even Betty Freidan has got to see the cosmic joke in that. But along with the financial reward comes potential drug abuse, sexual harassment and a dangerous lifestyle that can lead down a very dark, destructive path.
So I found myself looking at the situation from two different perspectives and trying to figure out my feelings. I went with my first reaction, because I trust my gut. I see the class as a great opportunity to have fun and express my sexuality. I still have concerns about the safety and well being of women in certain environments – but it’s not exclusive to the world of adult entertainment. Women face sexual discrimination everyday in every industry. We are continuously objectified in film and television but I’m not throwing out my TV or vowing to never go to the movies again. I am careful about what I watch, what I buy and what I support and that’s how I make an impact. I think I can get something positive out of this class without a negative cost to women. So, now all I have to worry about is making a complete fool of myself in high heels and the bruises that are bound to come when I bust my ass! ;)
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
A WTF Wednesday
Here’s what’s going on with me today. I am working from home right now which gives me a little more time to watch some of the morning news/entertainment shows – The Today Show, Regis & Kelly, The View, etc. Not sure if it’s the increased dose of fluff media, but there are some stories that have really gotten under my skin and now I feel the need to rant about a few things....
The Craigslist Killer
This is a crazy story on so many levels but my issue is all about his title - “The Craigslist Killer”. It’s a misuse of fear and a load misinformation rolled into one. The guy was not randomly stalking people selling old furniture on line, but specifically targeting women giving massages in hotel rooms. No judgment on the victums – but what they were advertising seems much more dangerous than the method they were advertising it. And we are finding out there is soooooo much more to this guy it just seems ridiculous that was the hook journalists thought would pull us in. Every time I hear “Craigslist Killer’ I cringe for Craig and I throw a WTF at the media that sacrificed accuracy for a catchy title.
Nadya Suleman
I’ve really tried hard not to speak about her because for me it’s like Beetlejuice - saying her name gives her more power and the result is a media hungry monster without Michael Keaton’s sense of humor. But as I heard her called the “Octo-Mom” for the umpteenth time this morning I found myself hurling a WTF across the room. She’s a mom of FOURTEEN kids not eight kids, yet another cutesy inaccurate title. How can the media question her concern for children when they disregard half the brood as they call her that? Shame on you media, shame on you “Tetradeca-Mom” and shame on the crazy doctor who performed the invitro! Who is that guy and why isn’t more attention focused on him?!
Susan Boyle
Like a lot of people, I got chills the first time I saw the clip of her online. Her voice is truly beautiful but what really touched people is her back story and the way she won over the judges and the crowd who were literally laughing at her. So I expected to see the clip on TV eventually, but I started to get a little worried as she began doing interviews. Each time she’s wearing a nicer dress and her hairdo is getting a little more done. Please stop tweezing her eyebrows and let her remain the person she is! Wasn’t that part of the lesson we all just learned? I’ll save the WTF rant on this one until it’s really deserved but if she is the embodiment of the parable “Don’t judge a book by its cover” I fear it’s only a matter of time until somebody breaks out the airbrush.
The Craigslist Killer
This is a crazy story on so many levels but my issue is all about his title - “The Craigslist Killer”. It’s a misuse of fear and a load misinformation rolled into one. The guy was not randomly stalking people selling old furniture on line, but specifically targeting women giving massages in hotel rooms. No judgment on the victums – but what they were advertising seems much more dangerous than the method they were advertising it. And we are finding out there is soooooo much more to this guy it just seems ridiculous that was the hook journalists thought would pull us in. Every time I hear “Craigslist Killer’ I cringe for Craig and I throw a WTF at the media that sacrificed accuracy for a catchy title.
Nadya Suleman
I’ve really tried hard not to speak about her because for me it’s like Beetlejuice - saying her name gives her more power and the result is a media hungry monster without Michael Keaton’s sense of humor. But as I heard her called the “Octo-Mom” for the umpteenth time this morning I found myself hurling a WTF across the room. She’s a mom of FOURTEEN kids not eight kids, yet another cutesy inaccurate title. How can the media question her concern for children when they disregard half the brood as they call her that? Shame on you media, shame on you “Tetradeca-Mom” and shame on the crazy doctor who performed the invitro! Who is that guy and why isn’t more attention focused on him?!
Susan Boyle
Like a lot of people, I got chills the first time I saw the clip of her online. Her voice is truly beautiful but what really touched people is her back story and the way she won over the judges and the crowd who were literally laughing at her. So I expected to see the clip on TV eventually, but I started to get a little worried as she began doing interviews. Each time she’s wearing a nicer dress and her hairdo is getting a little more done. Please stop tweezing her eyebrows and let her remain the person she is! Wasn’t that part of the lesson we all just learned? I’ll save the WTF rant on this one until it’s really deserved but if she is the embodiment of the parable “Don’t judge a book by its cover” I fear it’s only a matter of time until somebody breaks out the airbrush.
Monday, April 20, 2009
Repeat Offender
As I begin sharing some of the inner workings of “me” I think it’s important to get something off my chest, cleared up and out in the open as soon as possible. In the interest of full disclosure and in the hopes of being interesting I figured I should start off by sharing a something that really haunts me. It’s a huge issue that I’ve struggled with for years, I find it very hard to control and it literally keeps me up at night…I am a “Law & Order” junkie. I go back and forth between the word fanatic and junkie because they both could easily apply. I am basically speaking about the original L&O – although I can be satisfied and get enjoyment out of SVU, and in a pinch Criminal Intent – but it’s the one that started it all that still pulls me in like a tractor beam. I have seen every episode, but that’s just the tip of the iceberg. The real problem is the fact that I will watch an episode I’ve seen again, and again and AGAIN! I will stay up too late or I will be late to wherever I’m going to watch the end of an episode when I already know the outcome! I am at the level where I can tell you the plot line based on the opening scene and the random conversation of two unsuspecting people that are either about to discover a body, get hit by a stray bullet or find a foot floating by. And by the time Briscoe delivers his first witty one-liner and that oh-so familiar theme music starts, I can give you the plot twist about the daughter and her teacher that won’t even come up for another 30 minutes. And yet, I will still watch it. And I will love it.
When I break down my affliction I come up with 2 things. First if of all – it is a phenomenal show! The writing is first rate. They respectfully and tastefully bring the natural dialogue of police officers and officers of the court to us in a smart and realistic way. I loved NYPD Blue but between their overdone New York accents, crazy “cop speak”, and long winded moralistic monologues sometimes I didn’t know what the hell they were trying to say. L&O’s plots twists, the whole “ripped from the headlines” theme and the drama of the on-going human struggle to find justice makes for great stories. Secondly, it’s the perfect hour of television. Everything you need to know happens inside of 60 minutes. You could’ve been in exile, fallen from Mars or never have watched an episode of television before in your life but if you are there from minute one you can find the same enjoyment in that show that I do – it’s equal opportunity entertainment! No back story required, no “on last weeks episode” needed and no reason for anyone to feel left out. What more could you ask for?!
So I will watch the same episode over and over – but am I crazy or am I super smart? I know I will not be disappointed with my L&O hour of television. I really love to watch all kinds of TV but when I give my valuable time to a show and it doesn’t deliver I get pissed. Aren’t we watching television with the hopes and unspoken promise that we will be entertained? A lot of shows don’t live up to their end of the deal and L&O will not let me down. It’s the same thing when you watch a movie over and over again. Who hasn’t seen the “The Godfather” a million times, and yet when you are flipping channels and it comes on you put down the remote and you watch it. You start thinking about your favorite lines or your favorite scenes and you get that warm fuzzy Corleone feeling inside. It may not be a new rush but it’s a great high nonetheless.
So I’m not giving my L&O addiction up. I’ll admit it, I’ll blog about, and I may even go to some support groups but I have no desire to rehabilitate myself. Hello, my name is Nikki D and I am an L&O Repeat Offender.
When I break down my affliction I come up with 2 things. First if of all – it is a phenomenal show! The writing is first rate. They respectfully and tastefully bring the natural dialogue of police officers and officers of the court to us in a smart and realistic way. I loved NYPD Blue but between their overdone New York accents, crazy “cop speak”, and long winded moralistic monologues sometimes I didn’t know what the hell they were trying to say. L&O’s plots twists, the whole “ripped from the headlines” theme and the drama of the on-going human struggle to find justice makes for great stories. Secondly, it’s the perfect hour of television. Everything you need to know happens inside of 60 minutes. You could’ve been in exile, fallen from Mars or never have watched an episode of television before in your life but if you are there from minute one you can find the same enjoyment in that show that I do – it’s equal opportunity entertainment! No back story required, no “on last weeks episode” needed and no reason for anyone to feel left out. What more could you ask for?!
So I will watch the same episode over and over – but am I crazy or am I super smart? I know I will not be disappointed with my L&O hour of television. I really love to watch all kinds of TV but when I give my valuable time to a show and it doesn’t deliver I get pissed. Aren’t we watching television with the hopes and unspoken promise that we will be entertained? A lot of shows don’t live up to their end of the deal and L&O will not let me down. It’s the same thing when you watch a movie over and over again. Who hasn’t seen the “The Godfather” a million times, and yet when you are flipping channels and it comes on you put down the remote and you watch it. You start thinking about your favorite lines or your favorite scenes and you get that warm fuzzy Corleone feeling inside. It may not be a new rush but it’s a great high nonetheless.
So I’m not giving my L&O addiction up. I’ll admit it, I’ll blog about, and I may even go to some support groups but I have no desire to rehabilitate myself. Hello, my name is Nikki D and I am an L&O Repeat Offender.
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Starting the conversation...
After comfortably sitting on the blog sidelines for awhile, I have decided to jump in the game and create my own blog (insert applause, cheers, gasp, puzzled look, or hysterical laughter here). I humbly think I may have a few things to share with the general public, and often people are either laughing with me or at me, so why not put my charming wit to good use. But the obvious first question was - what do I write about? I am not selling a product (yet...), I am not pushing a service (yet...) and while I hold my own opinion in high esteem I am not an authority figure on any subject (yet...). So the most simple and self-indulgent answer was to just write about whatever I am thinking. Well... that could be almost anything, in random order, and with no particular rhyme or reason. My mind races a mile a minute - movies, sports, music, politics, family, pop culture - I love it all, I question everything, and there is never a lull in the conversation going on in my head!
I got married last year and I have never been happier in my life! Previous sentence aside, I am not very lovey-dovey so don't expect a lot of gushing or personal details. But the shift from single to married life was a big one and it has changed me. I work in television production and special events. For those of you that share my beloved profession know it can be a constant attack on your sanity and lead you to emotional breakdowns and inspirational epiphanies - all in the same day. I've stood at Invesco Field and watched Barack Obama accept the Democratic nomination for President, I was ten feet away from Bruce Springsteen as he rocked the Super Bowl Halftime show, and I once had a very short and very strange conversation with Prince about flowers and love. But this will not be a celebrity dish session - make no mistake, I am the biggest star in this show! And for everyday that I am chasing down Alicia Keys to hand her a bottle of 'room temperature' water, there are more days when I am pushing the cart in Publix or cleaning out some foreign object that's grown in the back of my fridge. The good news is I find humor, insight, absurdity and inspiration in all of the days!
So that's it, my brief intro and disclaimer all in one. I will probably be finding my voice with this blog for a little while so it's too early to say where I'll be going. But please come along - the ride will definitely be an interesting one!
:) Nikki D
I got married last year and I have never been happier in my life! Previous sentence aside, I am not very lovey-dovey so don't expect a lot of gushing or personal details. But the shift from single to married life was a big one and it has changed me. I work in television production and special events. For those of you that share my beloved profession know it can be a constant attack on your sanity and lead you to emotional breakdowns and inspirational epiphanies - all in the same day. I've stood at Invesco Field and watched Barack Obama accept the Democratic nomination for President, I was ten feet away from Bruce Springsteen as he rocked the Super Bowl Halftime show, and I once had a very short and very strange conversation with Prince about flowers and love. But this will not be a celebrity dish session - make no mistake, I am the biggest star in this show! And for everyday that I am chasing down Alicia Keys to hand her a bottle of 'room temperature' water, there are more days when I am pushing the cart in Publix or cleaning out some foreign object that's grown in the back of my fridge. The good news is I find humor, insight, absurdity and inspiration in all of the days!
So that's it, my brief intro and disclaimer all in one. I will probably be finding my voice with this blog for a little while so it's too early to say where I'll be going. But please come along - the ride will definitely be an interesting one!
:) Nikki D
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