Blonde Energy... Writes Again.

The Breakdancin' Rabbi--My Yearly Colombus Day Rant

noreply@blogger.com (Nikki) — Mon, 13 Oct 2008 22:10:00 +0000

Today, on the usual coffee run, I think Lauren spelled it all out for me and what's been going on: I've reached that complete washed over feeling of hopelessness. And it is true, in so many aspects of life right now. In a country where I--a lifelong feminist (humanist)--am regarded as sexist because I think the choice of Sarah Palin for the Republican Vice Presidential ticket was foolish and in no way an advancement for women, where else does one take these feelings? In a country where the undertones (and overtones) of racism and religious bigotry runs amok... what's next? In a country where my 401k tanked inside of a week, we have a campaign that is focusing on non-issues, what the fuck?

We would all be better off a country if instead of pretending we weren't bigoted in some fashion, we just owned up to our faults, took accountability for our actions and worked on the whole instead of the "mes" and really discussed the good, the bad and the hideously revolting.

Why don't we?

Because we live in two Americas--yep, that's right, two... the ones that believe spam emails are reliable sources of news because someone said they looked at snopes.com and the ones that delete them.

And what does this have to do with a breakdancing Rabbi and Colombus Day?

Good question.

We "celebrate" a holiday today in honour of a man who gets all the credit for discovering the Americas... apparently, we were lost. It brings honour and recognition to the European colonization of the Americas while at the same time further denying the long history of manifest destiny that has destroyed cultures and histories of the indigenous. No doubt an abundence of children were misfeed history today.

On a side note, I was pleased to learn that Venezuelan Presidente Hugo Chavez changed the paradigm of the holiday back in 2002: changing it to Día de la Resistencia Indígena (Day of Indigenous Resistance). Bravo Chavez!

Which leads me to the breakdancing Rabbi... in Lauren and my extended conversation about bigotry, misunderstanding and hopelessness, we came about to the holidays... and how certain holidays get preference and acceptance. Discussion on how we get Christmas off but not Chanukah, and that lead to her pointing out that means 8 days of dancing and spinning a dreidel with no time off from work. And in the course of this meandering conversation, the end result was my determination that the Jews came up with breakdancing.

Factually, that is grossly inaccurate by all accounts I can find and was previously aware of... in the moment, however, it was hysterically funny. And just because I came across this video of a seemingly nice Hassidic Jewish guy breakdancing, I felt the need to share.

October hath arrived...

noreply@blogger.com (Nikki) — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 22:57:00 +0000

...let us usher in the apple picking season officially! I say officially because this weekend found me picking apples. Driving all over NJ. Walking all over Midtown Manhattan. Shopping all over the greater Philadelphia area. Watching an abhorrently ridiculous VP debate. And visiting with my parents.

And now the week finds me catching up on insane numbers of emails and meetings... oh my, the meetings! I'm looking forward to a weekend to get some rest.

In the meantime, I am enjoying my 100th or so viewing of the Sex and the City Movie and for better or worse, eating a third of the days calories in chocolate. It is certainly less painful than watching the endless talking heads related to the economic crisis, the punditry and anything with Palin talking. It has been a long time since that kind of moronic construct has entered the political stratosphere... and I say that in full acknowledgement of the last 8 years of tyranny. Palin puts to shame even the legacy of Dan Quayle.

And now, I am off, to continue watching my movie, to do some writing and to prepare a tasty non-chocolate snack.

The great debate, part 1

noreply@blogger.com (Nikki) — Sun, 28 Sep 2008 19:51:00 +0000

Now, there is a lot of chatter among peoples about the debate this last Friday... who won and on what issues? Depending on the camp the story changes. So, I thought it was only appropriate to put my two cents in on the issue of utmost importance.

I don't know what McCain's advisors were thinking, perhaps a mechanism to keep him alert and awake when his head nodded down, but he came away the biggest fashion loser of this debate.

Check out the tie, which is so red, white and blue busy that it doesn't even photograph right. Frankly, it also accentuates his age, because not only does it emphasize the comb over and stodginess, it looks circa 1947.

An while this photo does neither justice, Obama's fashionability clearly surpasses that of McCain; and that is clearly a significant factor when selecting your next president. It shows a lot more than one migght think... this is, after all, the biggest job interview of them all...

Latte thinking

noreply@blogger.com (Nikki) — Sat, 27 Sep 2008 17:28:00 +0000

It has been a while since I blogged on the subject of living with an eating disorder, and as I was walking through the grocery store today, feeling somewhat empowered (and skinny) for not having eaten and drinking only a latte (nonfat, of course) in the last 20 or so hours and calculating the calories from yesterday... that it was indeed time, again. Why? Because I need to write and this is one of the prominent thoughts pre-occupying my mind.

I rationalized the logic in the car home; I haven't worked out in a week, I ate cheese yesterday and *gasp* bread. But I know it isn't really logic... and I know I'm using the absence of food like a drug--the rush of the control to a control-freak is a tempting morsel to not eat. The signs were there early this week... travel to Minneapolis and the fastidious calorie counting that begins the moment I have to set foot in an airport. No longer do I suffer from the fear of flying that used to cause dreams of planes falling from the clouds that held them up... oh no, that has long since been replaced by other, more terrifying notions--like dining out. I didn't do too badly, by comparison to my trip last month to the Land of a Million Lakes... and though there was a moment of panic when my salad arrived sans dressing on the side, but dripping from the leaves of lettuce on the plate before me, I held it together and ate the salad--dressing and all.

By end of the week, I embraced my food fears and ordered a grilled cheese and tomato soup for lunch. My bowing to the mercy of a long-time comfort food in the face of a week of high stress was inevitable... as was the feeling to follow.

I joked with a colleague on Friday that a heavily populated meeting schedule (especially) during the noon hour was my key diet strategy, but the reality is that it only serves to piss me off if there is no time for a coffee run. I have a real relationship with the trio who serve me coffee nearly everyday of the week... despite the fact that they barely speak English and despite my ordering the same thing almost every day for the last year, never know what I want... it's a special bond.

Last weekend was my one year anniversary in PA, and I love it. But I started thinking, it is also nearly that two year marker since I was practically forced into therapy... though I have continued on my own (one of these days, it will be fashionable again--or did it never lose its chic?). I'd like to think I've made some progress--even on days like this when my anxiety it high, my head feels like it will come off my shoulders and food is an enemy to be watched with a keen eye.... it's good to know I'm not alone, it will get better and I can at least recognize what I'm doing--even if I am not ready to be brave enough to take that next step.

Zim and Eugene

noreply@blogger.com (Nikki) — Sun, 21 Sep 2008 21:35:00 +0000

A former colleague asked me to spread the word... Zim and Eugene is quite a funny web cartoon. Enjoy!

Blessed Workouts?

noreply@blogger.com (Nikki) — Sat, 20 Sep 2008 23:23:00 +0000

When is a water-stained ceiling tile not just a water stained ceiling tile? When a woman in a weight loss center in Kansas sees Jesus in it. Guess we will be seeing it on eBay soon... I'd make some kind of snarky comment about faith, capitalism and all that, but it would be too obvious.

The systematic subjugation of arbitrary paradigms of higher level eschelons beyond our control?

noreply@blogger.com (Nikki) — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 23:51:00 +0000

A few weeks ago, I was in a training on diversity (admittedly, I have been in a lot of trainings these last few weeks) and there was a reference to our technological growth with the expectation that in so many years, computers will have the ability to out think people.

All I can say is, not unless Microsoft's stronghold takes a few chinks... not their systems, oh, no, those can't handle anymore dents in the armour, but their mind numbingly genius marketing stronghold. Good god, if they ever partner with Starbucks.... eww, I gave myself icky chills.

Nonetheless, the statement was what some might call, wholly illogical. While I understand the concept, I have to debate the validity of the argument. Why? Because do we understand the capacity of the human brain? No. Do people create computers? Yes. Can we build something greater than we can understand? Well, most of us cannot. And depending on how the election goes, none will evolve to that point, either.

But, here is the real reason I don't buy into this "prediction." Last week, I parked my car at the mall to go walking with a friend and then have dinner. In the process of getting out of my car, changing my shoes, etc. I locked my keys in the car. The window was cracked, but not enough to reach in and for once I had my sunroof closed. So, we went into the mall, got a tow truck number, called. They arrived within 5 minutes and unlocked the door. Indicating he wasn't going to charge me. As the nice man was walking away, yours truly locked the door and closed it--realizing that the keys remained still in the ignition. And again, he unlocked the door, no charge.

What does my moment of idiocy say about possible evolution of the human brain and technology? None of them, no matter how advanced, will ever be flaw-free. And much like the chicken or the egg question (which no doubt were both simultaneous placed in a nest by a higher power*), one has to wonder, does the creation of technology cause brain melt-downs or... were both created in the "perfect" image of their makers?

*Just in case this election doesn't go my way, I'm evolving into a mode of survival. My lack of religious identity will remain firmly intact.

Sad, but not overly surprising

noreply@blogger.com (Nikki) — Sun, 14 Sep 2008 13:56:00 +0000

Writer David Foster Wallace apparently hanged himself this weekend and is dead at age 46.

Oh, the horror

noreply@blogger.com (Nikki) — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 23:56:00 +0000

Innocently I am sitting here with the TV on when what should flash before my startled eyes but a flash of sparkly red and the voice of Richard Simmons... Yoplait could really do better for a spokesman. Aren't they trying to sell their yogurt, and not cause regurgitation?

Here's hoping

noreply@blogger.com (Nikki) — Sun, 31 Aug 2008 02:20:00 +0000

I’ve been happy lately, Thinking about the good things to come,

And I believe it could be, something good has begun
Oh I’ve been smiling lately, dreaming about the world as one,

And I believe it could be, some day its going to come
‘Cause out on the edge of darkness, there rides a peace train,

Oh peace train take this country, come take me home again

--Cat Stevens, Peace Train, 1971

I was somewhere around mile 5 on the elliptical this afternoon when this song came into rotation and couldn't help but be inspired toward my mile 6, and as CNN blared campaign issues across the screens, inspired by the possibilities. Don't get me wrong, my cynicism remains firmly intact, but as I see people starting to come together, starting to actually feel something like (do I dare use the word) hope... there comes an enlightenment. And while I am painfully aware of the reality behind the hope, the notion that there is in our midst a mobilizer, an inspiration... the crest of the wave that even those blind to the sea can tell is the verge of a time worthy enough to make note of now (pundits be damned).

As for my cynicism, I'll give it a break for the moment... because otherwise, the use of a Cat Stevens quote while talking of Barack Obama might trigger another boatload of emails that make me sad and angry.

Omnivore's Hundred

noreply@blogger.com (Nikki) — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 00:21:00 +0000

Chotilde at Chocolate & Zucchini challenges us to take on Andrew Wheelers Omnivore's Hundred.

1. Copy this list into your blog or journal, including these instructions.
2. Bold all the items you’ve eaten.
3. Cross out any items that you would never consider eating.
4. Optional extra: post a comment on Very Good Taste, linking to your results.

My list is below. Even though there are 29 I've not tried, I only marked a few that I wouldn't consider... for some reason or another.

1. Venison*
2. Nettle tea
3. Huevos rancheros
4. Steak tartare
5. Crocodile
6. Black pudding
7. Cheese fondue
8. Carp
9. Borscht
10. Baba ghanoush
11. Calamari
12. Phở
13. PB&J sandwich *
14. Aloo gobi
15. Hot dog from a street cart
16. Epoisses
17. Black truffle
18. Fruit wine made from something other than grapes
19. Steamed pork buns
20. Pistachio ice cream
21. Heirloom tomatoes*
22. Fresh wild berries*
23. Foie gras
24. Rice and beans*
25. Brawn, or head cheese
26. Raw Scotch Bonnet pepper (not a whole one!!)
27. Dulce de leche
28. Oysters
29. Baklava*
30. Bagna cauda
31. Wasabi peas (an allergy to wasabi prevents future consumption)
32. Clam chowder in a sourdough bowl
33. Salted lassi
34. Sauerkraut
35. Root beer float
36. Cognac with a fat cigar (not at the same time)
37. Clotted cream tea
38. Vodka jelly/Jell-O
39. Gumbo
40. Oxtail
41. Curried goat
42. Whole insects (probably not intentionally)
43. Phaal
44. Goat’s milk
45. Malt whisky from a bottle worth £60/€80/$120 or more
46. Fugu
47. Chicken tikka masala*
48. Eel
49. Krispy Kreme original glazed doughnut*
50. Sea urchin
51. Prickly pear
52. Umeboshi
53. Abalone
54. Paneer*
55. McDonald’s Big Mac Meal
56. Spaetzle
57. Dirty gin martini
58. Beer above 8% ABV
59. Poutine
60. Carob chips
61. S’mores
62. Sweetbreads
63. Kaolin
64. Currywurst
65. Durian
66. Frogs’ legs
67. Beignets, churros, elephant ears or funnel cake
68. Haggis
69. Fried plantain
70. Chitterlings, or andouillette
71. Gazpacho
72. Caviar and blini
73. Louche absinthe
74. Gjetost, or brunost
75. Roadkill
76. Baijiu
77. Hostess Fruit Pie
78. Snail
79. Lapsang souchong
80. Bellini
81. Tom yum
82. Eggs Benedict
83. Pocky
84. Tasting menu at a three-Michelin-star restaurant
85. Kobe beef
86. Hare
87. Goulash
88. Flowers
89. Horse
90. Criollo chocolate
91. Spam
92. Soft shell crab
93. Rose harissa
94. Catfish
95. Mole poblano*
96. Bagel and lox
97. Lobster Thermidor
98. Polenta
99. Jamaican Blue Mountain coffee*
100. Snake

* An asterisk marks the items I'm particularly fond of.

Green Belt... a non-accessory career accessory

noreply@blogger.com (Nikki) — Sat, 16 Aug 2008 18:16:00 +0000

The last week has found me a student of Six Sigma... formally. In a mere five days I was barraged and completed Green Belt training in Minneapolis. Unfortunately, I didn't see much of the city--at all. A 730-530 daily schedule, pending migraine and raging bout of insomnia found me vending my dinners quickly and not as efficiently as I would have hoped from the Mall of America, which was the only thing relatively close.

To those who have asked or would ask... I did not shop -- for much the same reason as I did not do much of anything else. I tried desperately and without much real effort to find a sweatshirt without a hood (lack of sleep and migraine combined with overpowering AC made me VERY cold all the time). But a pair of shoes did catch my eye at Steve Madden...

I did, however, meet some great people, and some folks with whom I work daily with, but have never had the pleasure of meeting live and in person. And, I did accomplish the purpose of the trip... as I am somewhat certain that I passed the final exam. The coming weeks will find me embarked on my certification journey... Pareto charts beware.

As usual, my travel was riddled with delays, the unusual and inanely dumb. After a mere three some hour delay out of PHL on Sunday night, we were told the ramp would be reopened and we would be 7th in line for take off... keep in mind, prior to the ramp again being closed (thunderstorms) we were told we were 3rd in line for take off. The following happened...

--the guy 5 rows up started to freak out at the sound of the engine gearing back up and demanded to know what was wrong with the plane, causing panic to those around him. The flight attendant gave the usual elevator speech, which was not easily digested.

--The guy next to me, who already voiced his belief that the airlines were out to get him personally, began pontificating further the conspiracy theory with the gentleman in front of him--both of whom on occasion looked to me for affirmation.

--The woman next to me had 5 conversations in her cell phone before looking at me and asking if I thought the flight attendant would let her off the plane. She did not understand the concept of being on an active run way--no where near the gate. Apparently, they do things a bit differently in Kansas City.

--The idiot man who had to be damn near 7 feet tall (and was as dumb as he was tall) decided he simply could not wait to go to the bathroom. I had encountered him in the airport when he did not seem to comprehend that his backpack was an extension of his body and it really did bother me when it smacked me in the head twice. Not only could he not hold it... he felt the need to get his backpack out of the overhead, put it on and casually stroll to the back of the plane. I had hoped we would take off with him in there, but we did not.

--Meanwhile, the conspiracy raged on my right as I was instructed to "LOOK" out the window and provide my assessment on why planes were not taking off quickly enough... did I notice there was a good 4-5 minutes between planes???

The flight home was not nearly as annoying or reportable... but I have come to the conclusion that men of a certain age, wearing a certain style of yuppie backpack with 2 small children in tow, have completely diminished any brain cell activity--apparently in exchange for sperm and EMS (that's Eastern Mountain Sports, not emergency medical services) gear. No doubt karma will come back to kick them in the ass when their 17 year old daughters come home with the fear flavor of the moment... and I plan to be in the airport to witness this 14 years or so from now.

But being home is good. Even if every muscle in my body aches and my migraine is still weaving its tendrils around the lobes of my brain.

Another Truth Sayer

noreply@blogger.com (Nikki) — Sat, 09 Aug 2008 20:37:00 +0000

Sad news. Bernie Mac has died.

Basketball

noreply@blogger.com (Nikki) — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 00:26:00 +0000

LA Sparks player Candace Parker's jersey is currently outselling Kobe Bryant and LeBron James... could be her dunks (the seond WNBA player to dunk--and has done it twice) or it could be her recent suspension for the melee with the Detroit Shock... I'd like to think, though a Detroit fan, that this little nod to the women's league is all about the talent, because Parker is amazingly talented a player.

Speaking of the Shock-Spark brawl of last week, Cheryl Ford--my favorite WNBA player--is out the rest of the season with a torn ACL after trying to restrain a teammate. So sad.

Sell out?

noreply@blogger.com (Nikki) — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 01:08:00 +0000

For a long time, I have had this image of Lenny Kravitz--a musician capable of taking his music to another level that can inspire and move people to action. Perhaps it is how he channels those who came before him, perhaps it is a naive hope of mine to see something transpire in a world where a revolution is truly needed. I held a momentary glimpse when I first heard "Love Revolution" the song has the vision and the movement behind it to do just what I thought Kravitz was capable of... until tonight when I saw this commercial for Kohls, featuring Kravitz and friends.

And a thought occurred to me.

Maybe Kravitz is who I thought him to be as an artist, he's just going another route. Like Andy Warhol before him, sometimes you have to test the boundaries of what is acceptable in art. We already know commercialism links work... but it is such a contradiction to think about a Love Revolution with shopping at a Kohls. Maybe it's a statement. Maybe it's a paycheck. I really don't know, but in order to make sense of this for me, I have to turn to the theories of abstract art.

LiveStrong

noreply@blogger.com (Nikki) — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 22:40:00 +0000

I'm happy to annouce the team that I walk with in the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer has a team in Philly for next month's LiveStrong Event. Solo Strutters USA has expanded!!

Duelling Worlds

noreply@blogger.com (Nikki) — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 02:19:00 +0000

There's been much talk these days of whether we live in one world or if in the USA there are two worlds... indeed, Whoopi and her View co-worker got into a scrap over this very topic a week or so ago and even Barbara Walters could barely get a word in.

And I think the question of whether we live in one world or two is really oversimplifying the issue. There is no one world, there is no two-worlds... look around you and you will see that my world and experience is quite different than many others, and theirs mine... it isn't the P.C. thing to say, but we live in a caste-world, even in the USA. And that is as close to a 1-world description as we will ever get to.

Living in this world, though, doesn't mean that we can't all come to a common understanding; an understanding that the human condition -- the needs and fundamental physics -- are all the same. Sadly, that is where the breakdown happens; and it happens big--because here in the US of A, we don't fuck up small.

Despite my sarcasm and belief that the problem that exists is far grander in scale than what is portrayed (and that is part of the problem), I remain optimistic. Optimistic that there are people who get it, optimistic that the basic good in people will prevail, optimistic that with the right leaders hope can enlighten the rest. We've seen this happen; it's amazing and scary and exciting and long over due of late.

I don't believe the fundamental differences will dissipate, in fact, I would hope they don't, but there is a link between all the worlds that exist. We found it before, we can certainly find it again.

Coco

noreply@blogger.com (Nikki) — Sun, 27 Jul 2008 03:52:00 +0000

This week, Lauren alerted me to the fact that Shirley MacLaine was going to be playing fashionista Coco Chanel. I adore Shirley MacLaine, I can't wait until the miniseries airs (on Lifetime)... Here is my favorite piece of the interview she gave, and one of the reasons I love MacLaine:

"She (Audrey Hepburn) told me I should play Coco Chanel. I said: 'Well, Coco Chanel was a little scrunched over and very short.'
"And she said, 'But the spirit of the woman is what matches your spirit.'
"Now I found Coco to be everything between generous and rude, so I don't know what Audrey meant. But she was obviously right."
But wasn't Coco Chanel a lesbian?

"Well, just because you play the whole field, doesn't mean you are a lesbian." MacLaine replied.

A sickness

noreply@blogger.com (Nikki) — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 23:59:00 +0000

This was the sight today at my local grocery store... Holiday (as in Christmas) M&Ms on the shelf. Someone has taken this "Christmas in July" shit a little too far.

A bucket of men

noreply@blogger.com (Nikki) — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 00:52:00 +0000

Yesterday, along the usual route Lauren and I take back to the office after a coffee run, we came across a site that left us both almost speechless. There was a bulldozer coming down the road toward us (there is construction going on--they finally ended the protesting with the large inflatable rat) and in the bucket of the bulldozer were at least 10 men of Hispanic decent. I nearly had to stop and take a photo, but I did not; however, I did wonder, aloud, if this was Arlen Specter's latest in immigration reform. (Have I mentioned how thrilled I was to go from Carl Levin as my senator to Mr. Specter?)

This site has been, really, a source of great amusement. First it was the inflatable rat, then last week, it was the old guy with the braid down his back, spinning a STOP/SLOW sign and signalling (impatiently) to cars coming from both directions, to GO. And this week, a bucket full of men. I really can't tell what has been done in the last several weeks outside of making a huge mess of the road and creating a treacherous (yet entertaining) driving situation.

Breathing is for Rookies

noreply@blogger.com (Nikki) — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 11:05:00 +0000

Going through my closet this morning, trying to find that perfect balance between what is office appropriate (we have clients on site today), what is temperature appropriate for the two extremes of inside versus outside and what would suit my whim this fine Tuesday morning, I remembered the latter is the only thing that truly matters. My whimsy, it seemed hearkened me toward a dress I have not worn since last year. A fabulous purple with Far East accents piece that when zipped has something of a corset effect.

After holding my breath and zipping it up, I glanced in the mirror--who needs to breath when you look this skinny!! I'd have laughed, but I couldn't. It brought me back to bridesmaid dress shopping--when I insisted that we do any and all trying on of dressed before we had any kind of lunch (in actuality, this is how I insist on all clothing shopping). Everyone knows one hamburger and you go from a size 8 to a 14... it's fashion math.

So, am I going to wear this corset-like dress? Yes.
Is it comfortable? Not entirely.
Does it look good? Absolutely.

Channeling Coco

noreply@blogger.com (Nikki) — Sun, 20 Jul 2008 13:49:00 +0000

Not the warm, gooey, chocolate beverage suitable only for post-winter activity in front of a sparkling fireplace... that's a thought-gasm for another day. Rather, Coco, as in Chanel.

Friday, I got dressed, pulling out a garment that I had my mother make for me... since it was of my own devices, so to speak, the fabric was one I chose that when you live in Ann Arbor , MI (as I did at the time) wasn't unusual but it was unique. My dress on Friday was casual to me: gauchos, a tank and this wrap shirt over it. To others in the office, it was dressed up... by 2, I was a little tired of the compliments--as ungrateful as that may sound, because you have to wonder at some point--just how bad do I look the rest of the time?

After giving it a weekend of thought, and receiving a fair amount of out-of-the-ordinary attention yesterday I realized that it was not my dress--though "colorful" both days (yes, I an offending the Pennsylvania psyche with my bold use of color)--rather, it was my need to channel Coco Chanel. Friday morning as I applied my seafoam green eyeliner, I wanted inspiration and a thought occurred to me quickly... Chanel!!

The first Chanel I ever bought was in Chicago with J. We were on a quest for something--moisturizer, if I am not mistaken--and as J was toying with various options presented her I was drawn to the array of colors boldly emanating from the Chanel counter. The details of what happened next are foggy, but I somehow decided to try a lipstick... Coco Red. Why? Because I'd never tried a real red lipstick before... and if you are going to try red lipstick, Coco Red is the only way to go. I was skeptical, but J told me I had to because it was fabulous, and she was right. It was fabulous, and every time I wear it, I get a LOT of attention.

While I now have other shades and Chanel accents, Coco Red is my go to. It's a powerful tool and a flaming attention-getter... the latter I always am surprised by, even though I know I should not be.

Just a cartoon...

noreply@blogger.com (Nikki) — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 00:06:00 +0000

Sooo, the New Yorker Cartoon buzz has yet to wear down, but folks, it is over. Bottom line is that the media has exploited (yet again) something that is not even worth the effort. Satire, yes. Tasteful, probably not. But to keep asking if it is understood, I ask -- is there anyone that even understands a New Yorker cartoon to begin with?

Yesterday, I posted a link to Jon Stewart's satirising of the media over this... in which he said that Obama should have said that he doesn't care: "It's a fucking cartoon." Now, I understand all the racism, the fear mongering, the indecency in this country... but we will NEVER get beyond it and move forward until we do one thing... just stop. Frank Schaeffer's blasting of Stewart's bit on the Huffington Post today just proves that we need to stop; the dialogue long since stopped being productive. Despite what we are taught, free speech isn't a right, it's a privilege that comes with responsibilities and both sides of the fence and some in between have acted in irresponsible ways. But in a world where only the few random are punished (i.e. Don Imus) and quickly forgotten... irresponsibility runs amok all over the American public.

Gangs Signs in Sports?

noreply@blogger.com (Nikki) — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 02:06:00 +0000

The major sporting leagues (specifically the NFL and NBA) are concerned that players are using gang signs. I sense some jealousy... I mean, it isn't like sports would have a gang mentality... with their own signs and rituals. The notion is "ludacris" (as in crazy-ass silly and not the rapper with suspected gang links who is a guest star in an NBA video game).

Oh, and since I understand that there is a global (and in the US, things that happen in the US are considered global) deficiency in understanding sarcasm... I will just point out that this post is quite laden with sarcasm... is it in good taste? Well, seems that Arizona Daily Star is just one of MANY media outlets voicing in on what "good" sarcasm is... ironically, Jon Stewart and Stephen Colbert both chime in on the concept of sarcasm and media.

Getting by with a little help...

noreply@blogger.com (Nikki) — Sun, 13 Jul 2008 16:11:00 +0000

The week started off feeling blase and uggy (really, it's the best description). At some point, I decided I needed something to kick my ass out of it. So, I connected with an old friend--Maybelline Great Lash in blackest black. Admittedly, it was in first effort to not "look tired" in the office where on nights with little sleep or when work is catching up with me everyone asks me "What's wrong?" or "Am I feeling okay?"

That pink and green bottle and wand quickly lead me to rediscover the treasures in my closet; and frankly, I'd rather have the off-handed, "You, um, have, um, your own... style" than feel like a hanger for someone else's ideals. After all, I have always been a firm believer in color; and I don't think pink necessarily has to be worn with pink. Accessories should be fun and flirty and flaunt a feature... and I don't care if they don't match-match--there is something to be said for the fabulously mis-matched.*

It wasn't immediate, and I had to convince myself a few days, but soon my mood followed my fabulously adorned outside and before long, I found myself mischievously purchasing eyeliners in shades of blues and greens simply because I could. And I will say, like any good friend, after a few days, Maybelline sat me down and explained she would not be caught dead with me any longer until I got the bushes above my eyes taken care of.

And aside from good friends like Maybelline, OPI, Chanel, Nicole Miller, Kenneth Cole, BCBG... the real live flesh and body friends also made huge contributions... sending me crazy-assed links to news I should know and now wish I didn't... listening ad nauseum to my sudden life revelations (Does I was drunk on Prada count as an excuse?)... and simply being there -- even when I didn't know it.

*Fabulously mis-matching is not for novices or faint-of-heart; but highly recommended... even Calvin Klein has looked down the barrel of vast mistake but you gotta learn somehow.